started sprinting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started sprinting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of beginning to run at a fast pace, often in a context where urgency or speed is emphasized. Example: "When the whistle blew, she started sprinting towards the finish line, determined to win the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

They started sprinting around the corner.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was surprised when Tergat started sprinting before I did," Gebrselassie said.

The New York Times - Sports

The corner was cleared: Cobeño panicked and started sprinting back towards his own unguarded goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Midway through this season, the real Thierry Henry, now 31, has not just stood up, he has started sprinting again.

The Guardian - Sport

At contact, Scott slammed his bat to the dirt, but he started sprinting when he saw the ball elude Swisher's outstretched glove for a triple.

The New York Times - Sports

That assessment tallies with the target set by the head coach, Charles van Commenee, who wants the team to win at least seven medals, more than they have managed at any worlds since Malcolm started sprinting.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Only late in 2009 did it start sprinting forward again.

The New York Times

Alyssa, um, buys the farm; Rachel starts sprinting, Wormface in pursuit.

The New York Times

That runner stays on the inside of the lane nearing the second runner, who waits until the leadoff runner approaches and then starts sprinting inside a 10-meter fly zone.

The New York Times - Sports

If they see me in town it's as if they're just waiting for me to start sprinting down the road, tackling anything that moves and foaming at the mouth".

The Guardian - Sport

I start sprinting across the quad and screaming at him to be careful, but I know that I won't get there before he jumps in and hits his head on the concrete.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started sprinting" to clearly indicate the beginning of a fast run, especially when contrasting it with a previous state of walking, jogging, or standing still.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary adverbs like "quickly" after "started sprinting", as sprinting already implies speed. For example, instead of "started sprinting quickly", simply use "started sprinting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started sprinting" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a rapid running action. It combines the auxiliary verb "started" with the gerund "sprinting", describing the beginning of the act of sprinting, as Ludwig's examples show.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started sprinting" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the beginning of a fast run. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for neutral registers and frequently appears in contexts such as news and media. While similar phrases like "began to sprint" or "broke into a sprint" exist, "started sprinting" specifically conveys a sudden burst of speed. When using this phrase, avoid redundant adverbs to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to sprint

Direct synonym, replacing "started" with "began".

broke into a sprint

Implies a sudden transition to sprinting.

took off running

More general, but conveys the same initial action.

darted forward

Emphasizes quick, linear movement.

dashed off

Suggests a quick and sudden departure.

rushed ahead

Highlights the speed and direction of the movement.

made a dash

Implies a short, quick sprint.

launched into a run

More emphatic, suggesting a forceful start.

burst into speed

Emphasizes the sudden increase in speed.

accelerated rapidly

Focuses on the increase in speed rather than the running itself.

FAQs

How to use "started sprinting" in a sentence?

You can use "started sprinting" to describe the act of beginning a fast run. For example, "When the starting gun fired, the athlete "started sprinting" towards the finish line".

What can I say instead of "started sprinting"?

You can use alternatives like "began to sprint", "broke into a sprint", or "took off running" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "started to sprint" instead of "started sprinting"?

Both "started to sprint" and "started sprinting" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings, but ""started sprinting"" often implies a more immediate and intense burst of speed.

What's the difference between "started running" and "started sprinting"?

"Started running" generally refers to the beginning of any type of run, while ""started sprinting"" specifically indicates the beginning of a fast, all-out run. It implies a higher level of exertion and speed.