started to discover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to discover" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating the beginning of the process of finding out or learning something new. Example: "As I explored the ancient ruins, I started to discover fascinating details about the civilization that once thrived there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

That got me going, then I started to discover this happens all over the place".

The Guardian - Books

"I think sales are increasing because the industry started to discover what the fans want," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

It wasn't until I was 18, 19 I started to discover PJ Harvey, Fiona Apple, Daniel Johnston".

The Guardian

"The fashion and textile designers started to discover the beauty of the Kashmir shawl about the same time," she said.

The New York Times

"I started to discover Radio Casablanca — this music, fantasy music — all the songs of an Arab culture of music — and I was hooked to that," he says.

The New York Times

In recent years, more people have started to discover Berlin as a cheap, bohemian destination, though the city stands outside the mainstream of Germany.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Therefore, you start to discover what else you can do".

The New Yorker

It's when we start to discover who we are".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But we can start to discover them together here starting tomorrow.

The New York Times

Then we can start to discover who is who, and what they really represent.

Independent

People are engrossed by her.' She may now start to discover the cost of fame.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to discover" to describe the initial phase of an exploration or learning journey, particularly when the findings are unexpected or enlightening.

Common error

Avoid using "started to discover" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "identified", "determined", or "uncovered" to convey a more scholarly tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to discover" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a process of finding or learning something new. It expresses the beginning of an exploration or realization, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started to discover" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase indicating the beginning of a process of finding or learning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, with a slight preference for news and media. While versatile, academic or scientific writing might benefit from more precise synonyms. The best practice is to reserve "started to discover" for scenarios where an exploration or realization is initiated, while avoiding overuse in formal contexts. Related phrases include "began to realize" and "commenced to learn", each subtly altering the focus from pure discovery to comprehension or knowledge acquisition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started to understand

Signifies the beginning of comprehension, emphasizing understanding over mere discovery.

began to perceive

Highlights the commencement of perceiving or noticing something, similar to becoming aware.

began to realize

Indicates an initial understanding or awareness, shifting from discovery to comprehension.

developed an awareness of

Highlights the growth of consciousness or knowledge about something.

recognised initially

Focuses on the first instance of recognition, which can be a form of discovery.

commenced to learn

Emphasizes the initiation of a learning process, focusing on acquiring knowledge rather than finding something new.

came to learn

Implies a gradual learning process, often through experience.

initiated finding

Highlights the start of a search or investigative process, differing slightly from passively discovering.

picked up on

Suggests noticing or becoming aware of something subtle or indirect.

unveiled gradually

Suggests a slow and progressive revelation, focusing on the process of revealing rather than the act of discovering.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "started to discover" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "began to discern", "commenced to ascertain", or "initiated the identification of" to replace "started to discover" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is "started to discover" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "started to discover" may sound informal in academic writing. Use stronger verbs like "identified", "uncovered", or "determined" to enhance the scholarly tone.

What's a more concise way to say "started to discover"?

Alternatives like "began to notice", "realized", or "found" can provide a more concise way to express the same idea as "started to discover", depending on the specific context.

How does "started to discover" differ from "began to understand"?

"Started to discover" implies finding something previously unknown, while "began to understand" suggests the initial phase of comprehending something already known or presented.