started to dominate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to dominate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the beginning of a process where someone or something begins to take control or influence over a situation or group. Example: "As the competition intensified, our product started to dominate the market, outpacing all others in sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Edmund relaxed and started to dominate.

The Guardian - Sport

Steppe communities started to dominate again after 1.5 kyr BP.

Quaternary Science Reviews

However, as the night progressed, songs in English started to dominate.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Lili started to dominate Einar's life, too, and he eventually identified as male-to-female transgender.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But as Schumer's script progressed, the influence of director Judd Apatow soon started to dominate.

The Guardian - Film

He's up pointing at things as Iran have started to dominate possession.

The Guardian - Sport

From the middle of the 20th century, however, the modern corporation started to dominate patenting.

Harvard Business Review

She started to dominate the play in a way I hadn't expected.

The Guardian

However, they warned that a "prevailing culture of caution" had started to dominate in Downing street.

The Guardian

In the middle, meanwhile, Celtic settled and started to dominate possession.

The Guardian - Sport

In these two very different novae, accretion disks have re-established themselves and started to dominate the light curve.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to dominate" to clearly indicate the beginning of a shift in power or influence. This phrase works well when illustrating a change in a dynamic situation, such as a team gaining control of a game or a product taking over the market.

Common error

Avoid using "started to dominate" repeatedly in close proximity. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms such as "began to control" or "took the upper hand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to dominate" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of a process where one entity gains increasing control or influence. It often appears in descriptive narratives, as seen in the Ludwig examples, to illustrate a shift in power dynamics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

26%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started to dominate" is a versatile verb phrase indicating the commencement of a process of gaining control or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is frequently used in news, scientific, and academic contexts, reflecting a neutral register. Related phrases include "began to control" and "took the upper hand". When writing, use the phrase to show the beginning of gaining of the control and be aware of the potential for overuse. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage, function, and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to control

Focuses on the act of controlling, suggesting a direct influence.

began to lead

Emphasizes guidance and direction, implying influence over others.

began to overshadow

Suggests that something became more prominent, often diminishing the importance of something else.

began to prevail

Implies a victory or superior position after a struggle.

took the upper hand

Indicates gaining a strategic advantage.

assumed dominance

Highlights the act of taking a dominant position.

gained ascendancy

Focuses on the rise to a position of power or influence.

took over

Indicates a complete transfer of control or responsibility.

became ascendant

Implies a rising in power and authority.

came to the forefront

Indicates becoming the most important or noticeable thing.

FAQs

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

You can use "started to dominate" to describe a shift in power or control. For example, "The home team "started to dominate" possession in the second half", or "After the merger, the new company "started to dominate" the market".

What phrases are similar to "started to dominate"?

Similar phrases include "began to control", "began to lead", "began to prevail", and "took the upper hand". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "started to dominate" or "began to dominate"?

Both "started to dominate" and "began to dominate" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence. There is no inherent difference in their effectiveness.

When is it not appropriate to use "started to dominate"?

Avoid using "started to dominate" in contexts where a more nuanced or specific term would be more accurate. For instance, if you mean "influenced", "started to sway" might be more precise. Also, ensure that domination is the intended meaning, as it implies a strong power dynamic.