started to acquire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to acquire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of a process of obtaining or gaining something, whether it be knowledge, skills, or physical items. Example: "After months of studying, she finally started to acquire a deeper understanding of the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"It started to acquire this reputation as a supernatural plant".

The Guardian - Books

"I started to acquire a nail polish addiction, especially Chanel polish," she said.

The New York Times

There was a real awakening when the dancers started to acquire some of the freedom Balanchine always encouraged.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Morgan started to acquire pieces for the Tate and to make the case for a large-scale survey of Ms. Choucair's oeuvre.

The New York Times

So I've started to acquire a historical perspective about certain things, and I've also become interested in China's social problems, its economic problems, its political problems.

The New York Times

To help "the Jewish people to return to Zion", in 1991 Be'eri started to acquire Palestinian property (supported by Ariel Sharon, then minister of construction and housing).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Just as important, environmentalists say eating shark fin is starting to acquire a stigma among the Chinese elite.

The New York Times

Aided by the continuous expansion of tools and techniques, we are now starting to acquire more insight into the specific role and regulation of periosteal cells.

Bone

As science progressed, we did indeed start to acquire powers that in pre-modern times were supposed to be possessed only by gods (Edmund Leach's point).

The Guardian - Opinion

Although Mr. Bruce believes that Italians are finally starting to acquire the taste, he added regretfully, "A lot of English people don't understand tea anymore.

The New York Times - Travel

Coyne is so thoroughly amiable that after approximately two minutes in his company, the freakishness starts to acquire a certain lucidity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started to acquire", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being acquired and the process's commencement. For example, "The company started to acquire smaller firms" is more specific than "The company started to acquire."

Common error

Avoid using "started to acquire" without specifying what is being acquired. An incomplete sentence can lead to ambiguity and confusion. Instead of saying "He started to acquire", specify "He started to acquire new skills."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to acquire" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an action. It shows that a subject has begun the process of gaining or obtaining something. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms the phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started to acquire" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the beginning of a process of obtaining or gaining something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, indicating its versatility. While there are various alternatives, such as "began to obtain" or "commenced acquiring", the key is to ensure clarity and specify what is being acquired. Avoiding incomplete contexts is crucial for effective communication. Understanding these nuances allows for precise and effective use of the phrase in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to obtain

Replaces "started" with "began" and "acquire" with "obtain", maintaining a formal tone.

commenced acquiring

Substitutes "started" with "commenced", adding a slightly more formal nuance.

started accumulating

Similar to 'began accumulating' but uses "started" for consistency with the original query.

initiated acquisition of

Uses a more formal and business-oriented vocabulary.

started to develop

Focuses on the development of a skill, interest, or ability.

developed an interest in

Shifts the focus to the development of interest rather than the act of acquiring something tangible.

began to collect

Specifically suitable when referring to physical objects.

gradually gained

Emphasizes the gradual process of obtaining something.

began accumulating

Focuses on the accumulation aspect, suitable when referring to quantities.

picked up

An informal way of saying 'started to acquire' knowledge or skills.

FAQs

How can I use "started to acquire" in a sentence?

Use "started to acquire" to indicate the beginning of a process of gaining or obtaining something. For instance, "The student "started to acquire" knowledge in physics after taking the introductory course."

What are some alternatives to "started to acquire"?

You can use alternatives like "began to obtain", "commenced acquiring", or "gradually gained" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "began to acquire" is a valid alternative. "Began" and "started" are often interchangeable in this context, though ""started to acquire"" might be slightly more common in informal settings.

What's the difference between "started to acquire" and "began accumulating"?

"Started to acquire" is a general phrase for beginning to obtain something, while "began accumulating" implies the collection of something, usually in increasing quantities. The choice depends on the specific context.