started having

USAGE SUMMARY

"started having" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing someone beginning to do something. For example: "She started having more confidence after she gave her first presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We started having loyal customers".

The New York Times

He started having night sweats.

The New York Times - Health

Then everyone started having kids.

Independent

I started having palpitations".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He started having convulsions.

The Guardian - Music

"I started having convulsions," he told me.

The New Yorker

Investors have already started having second thoughts.

The New York Times

Pierce started having temper tantrums.

The New York Times

It started having some meaning.

The Guardian - Music

"I started having panic attacks.

The Guardian

She started having night terrors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started having" to indicate the beginning of an experience, sensation, or relationship. Be mindful of the context to ensure it clearly communicates the initiation of an event or feeling.

Common error

While "started having" is common, avoid overuse in formal writing. Instead, use more precise verbs such as "developed", "experienced", or "encountered" to add nuance and sophistication to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started having" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an action or experience. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various contexts, from physical sensations like "started having seizures" to emotional states like "started having doubts".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started having" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes the commencement of an event, sensation, or relationship. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While broadly applicable, remember that more precise language may be beneficial in formal writing. Ludwig AI correctly identifies this phrase as functional in written English. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively use "started having" to communicate the beginning of an experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to experience

Emphasizes the commencement of a sensation or event.

transitioned into feeling

Highlights a shift towards a particular emotional state.

turned to experiencing

Indicates a change where certain sensations began.

entered a phase of experiencing

Suggests a transition into a period of particular sensations.

found oneself experiencing

Emphasizes a discovery or realization of starting to feel something.

became accustomed to feeling

Suggests an adaptation or familiarization with a sensation.

commenced to possess

Implies the start of ownership or qualities.

progressed into a state of

Implies a gradual advancement into a certain condition.

developed an inclination toward

Focuses on the gradual development of a preference or sensation.

initiated possession of

Highlights the start of taking control or having something.

FAQs

How can I use "started having" in a sentence?

You can use "started having" to describe the beginning of an experience or sensation. For instance, "She started having headaches after the accident" or "They started having doubts about the project's success".

What are some alternatives to "started having"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "started having" include "began to experience", "developed", or "experienced". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific meaning you intend to convey.

Is it correct to say "began having" instead of "started having"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Began having" may sound slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal. You can use either phrase depending on your preference and the context of your writing.

What's the difference between "started having" and "was having"?

"Started having" indicates the beginning of an experience, while "was having" describes an ongoing experience in the past. For example, "She started having problems with her car last week" versus "She was having problems with her car all day yesterday".