started to bloom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to bloom" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to describe the process of something coming into a new state of life or growth, such as a flower blooming or a business expanding. For example, you could say "After several weeks of care, the cherry tree started to bloom with beautiful bright pink flowers".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

All the same, he managed pretty well when the lesions started to bloom.

The New Yorker

Tropical foliage started to bloom in his poems, and punctuation began to vanish from them.

The New York Times - Books

Driving into the city, I noticed that the forsythia had started to bloom.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then there was the spring when all sorts of lovely bulbs started to bloom.

The New York Times

In the meantime, mold has started to bloom, causing her to worry about the health of her 6-year-old son.

The New York Times

The agency monitors various esoteric weather indicators such as announcing when cherry blossoms have started to bloom by observing a certain tree.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The shadbush, a spindly white-flowered shrub, is starting to bloom.

The New York Times

The snow has melted, and the crocuses are starting to bloom.

Independent

As flowers start to bloom, we enjoyed this picture from Rockmount primary.

The Guardian

For best results, choose plants that are starting to bloom but still have unopened buds.

The New York Times

Coastal vegetation was starting to bloom, including wildflowers like lupine, dunes paintbrush and giant coreopsis in lavender, yellow and salmon.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to bloom" to describe the initial phase of a process or period of growth in both literal and figurative contexts, such as describing a plant's flowering or a project's development.

Common error

Avoid using "started to bloom" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise or professional vocabulary may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to bloom" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a blossoming process. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for describing the beginning of growth or development. Examples show its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started to bloom" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the initial phase of blossoming or growth. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While "started to bloom" is versatile, as demonstrated by the examples of Ludwig, more formal contexts may require alternatives like "commenced blossoming". Usage patterns suggest it is most common in news and media, and its communicative purpose is to describe the nascent stage of a process, be it literal flowering or figurative development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to blossom

Implies a gradual and beautiful unfolding, similar to "started to bloom" but emphasizes the aesthetic aspect.

came into bloom

Indicates the point at which something is blooming with difference focus

commenced blossoming

A more formal and elaborate way of saying "started to bloom", suggesting a formal beginning.

began its growth

A basic expression of starting to grow, less vivid than "started to bloom".

began to flourish

Focuses on thriving and growing vigorously, extending beyond literal blooming to broader contexts.

initiated flowering

A scientific or technical term for "started to bloom", used more in botanical contexts.

showed initial signs

Focuses on the first indications of something happening or developing.

unfolded gradually

Highlights the unfolding or revealing aspect of something developing, not necessarily floral.

entered its prime

Describes reaching the best or most developed stage, similar to blooming but more general.

sprang to life

Suggests a sudden and energetic beginning of life or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "started to bloom" to describe the beginning of a flowering process, like "The roses "started to bloom" in early June", or metaphorically, such as "New ideas "started to bloom" after the conference".

What are some alternatives to "started to bloom"?

Some alternatives include "began to blossom", "began to flourish", or "came into bloom", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "started to bloom" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "started to bloom" might be too informal for highly formal or scientific contexts. Consider alternatives like "commenced blossoming" or "initiated flowering" for a more elevated tone.

What is the difference between "started to bloom" and "began to bloom"?

There is virtually no difference in meaning between "started to bloom" and "began to bloom". Both phrases describe the initiation of the flowering process, and they are interchangeable in most contexts.