started to distrust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to distrust" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of a feeling of suspicion or lack of trust towards someone or something. Example: "After the incident, she started to distrust her colleagues, questioning their motives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I started to distrust telephones the instant they stopped working.

The New York Times - Magazine

For a short while, traders started to distrust what they were seeing.

The New York Times

With the 50th anniversary of John F Kennedy's assassination approaching, Will Self wonders if this was when Westerners started to distrust official accounts.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Meme users start to distrust their own memories of what words mean, knowing they can always double-check on the fly.

The New Yorker

"You start to distrust the system from the bottom up," said her sister, Linda Gregoire.

Los Angeles Times

With this, it became clear to Oppenheimer that an arms race was unavoidable, due to the mutual suspicion of the United States and the Soviet Union, which even Oppenheimer was starting to distrust.

Wikipedia

Then you can begin to distrust this particular flavor.

TechCrunch

You begin to distrust your recollections.

Los Angeles Times

As the rhetoric grew more strident, the monarchies started to view events with distrust.

Wikipedia

She had a close-knit group of friends who had never given her reason to distrust them, but she started to anyway.

The Guardian - Music

The number of Westminster resignations had left participants unimpressed, with deep levels of distrust in politicians, and some had started to feel uncertain about the economy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, specify the object of distrust immediately after the phrase, such as "started to distrust the data" or "started to distrust his motives".

Common error

Avoid using "started to distrust" without providing context or explanation. Clearly state the reasons or circumstances that led to the development of distrust to make your writing more impactful and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to distrust" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a feeling of mistrust or suspicion. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, showcasing its role in expressing a change in attitude.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started to distrust" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that signifies the beginning of a feeling of mistrust or suspicion. While it's considered neutral in register, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is a valid way to express a shift from trust to skepticism. For more formal settings, alternatives like "began to doubt" or "grew wary of" might be more appropriate. To maximize clarity, it's recommended to specify the object of distrust and provide context for the shift in perception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to mistrust

Replaces "started" with "began", indicating a similar commencement of distrust.

began to doubt

Substitutes "distrust" with "doubt", emphasizing uncertainty rather than outright disbelief.

became suspicious of

Uses "suspicious" to highlight a feeling of mistrust based on incomplete evidence.

grew wary of

Employs "wary" to suggest increasing caution and mistrust over time.

lost faith in

Indicates a complete decline in trust or confidence.

developed doubts about

Focuses on the gradual formation of uncertainty and mistrust.

came to question

Highlights the act of starting to challenge or doubt someone or something.

began questioning the integrity of

Directly addresses doubts about honesty and moral principles.

started having reservations about

Indicates initial uncertainties or hesitations.

turned skeptical of

Suggests a shift towards disbelief and questioning.

FAQs

What does "started to distrust" mean?

The phrase "started to distrust" means that someone began to feel a lack of trust or confidence in someone or something. It indicates the beginning of a feeling of suspicion or doubt.

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

You can use "started to distrust" to describe a shift in feelings. For example: "After the series of lies, I "started to distrust" everything he said."

What are some alternatives to "started to distrust"?

Some alternatives include "began to doubt", "became suspicious of", or "grew wary of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "started to distrust" formal or informal?

"Started to distrust" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "began to question" or "developed reservations about".