started smoking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started smoking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe the moment someone began smoking. For example, "He started smoking at the age of 17."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I started smoking.

The New York Times - Arts

"I started smoking crack".

The New York Times

Anyway, I've started smoking again.

The Guardian - Music

I started smoking at school, aged 15.

Independent

"I just started smoking again," Cassavetes said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hayley started smoking marijuana at 11.

The Guardian

Mr. Rodriguez has started smoking again.

The New York Times

I only started smoking since the ban.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He started smoking when he was 12.

The New York Times

Anjelica Huston said, "I've started smoking again.

The New Yorker

"I started smoking, not learning nothing," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone's smoking habits, be specific about the type of substance if it's not cigarettes (e.g., "started smoking marijuana", "started smoking cigars").

Common error

Don't use "started smoking" if you mean "resumed smoking" after a period of abstinence. Be precise about whether it's a new habit or a renewed one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started smoking" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. It's used to describe when someone began the activity of smoking, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started smoking" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the beginning of a smoking habit. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it is widely used and accepted in written English. The phrase appears frequently in news articles, scientific publications, and other sources, indicating its broad applicability and neutral register. While "started smoking" is straightforward, it's important to consider the specific context and potential for ambiguity, especially when differentiating between initiating smoking for the first time versus resuming the habit. Alternatives like "began to smoke" or "took up smoking" can offer nuanced meanings. Remember to be precise about the substance being smoked if it's not cigarettes. In conclusion, "started smoking" is a versatile and clear way to describe the onset of smoking, but careful consideration of context and related terms can enhance precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to smoke

Uses a more formal verb "began" instead of "started".

took up smoking

Emphasizes the initiation of smoking as a new habit or activity.

picked up smoking

Implies that the smoking habit was acquired, often casually or influenced by others.

commenced smoking

Replaces "started" with the more formal "commenced".

initiated smoking

Uses a more formal and deliberate term for starting smoking.

developed a smoking habit

Focuses on the formation of a habitual behavior.

became a smoker

Highlights the transformation into a person who smokes.

got into smoking

Suggests a gradual introduction or immersion into smoking.

experimented with smoking

Suggests a trial phase, which may or may not lead to a regular habit.

turned to smoking

Suggests smoking was adopted as a coping mechanism or response to something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "started smoking"?

You can use alternatives such as "began to smoke", "took up smoking", or "picked up smoking" depending on the context.

Is "started smoking" grammatically correct?

Yes, "started smoking" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe the act of beginning to smoke.

What is the difference between "started smoking" and "became a smoker"?

"Started smoking" refers to the action of beginning the habit, whereas "became a smoker" implies a transition into identifying as someone who smokes regularly.

When is it appropriate to use "started smoking" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "started smoking" when you want to specify when someone began the practice of smoking, whether it was recently or in the past.