started to feel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to feel" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe the beginning of a feeling that has developed or arisen. For example: "As the warm sun hit his skin, he started to feel a sense of calm relaxation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I started to feel better.

The New Yorker

"He started to feel personally threatened".

The New York Times

"People have started to feel the breeze.

The New York Times

I started to feel anxious, depressed, restless.

The New York Times - Books

Then it started to feel real".

The New York Times

He says he started to feel stronger.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I started to feel terrible," she said.

The New York Times

"I've started to feel very old!

Independent

This started to feel oppressive.

The New York Times

It started to feel normal.

The Guardian - Arts

I started to feel sick.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started to feel", ensure the subsequent adjective or descriptive phrase accurately reflects the nuance of the emerging emotion or sensation. For example, "I started to feel hopeful" conveys a different meaning than "I started to feel anxious."

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "I started to feel it". Always specify what "it" is to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I started to feel it", say "I started to feel the heat" or "I started to feel the excitement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to feel" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an emotion or sensation. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples, highlighting its role in describing the initial stage of an experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started to feel" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote the beginning of a physical or emotional sensation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "started to feel", ensure you clearly specify the feeling being described to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "began to sense" or "commenced to experience" exist, "started to feel" offers a balanced level of formality suitable for general use. Remember to use the base form of the verb "feel" after "to" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to sense

This alternative focuses on the initial awareness or perception of something, similar to the onset of a feeling.

commenced to experience

This is a more formal way of saying "started to feel", emphasizing the beginning of an experience or sensation.

developed a feeling of

This phrase highlights the gradual development of a particular emotion or sensation.

grew to feel

Similar to 'developed a feeling', this shows a gradual progression into a feeling.

became aware of

This emphasizes the realization or consciousness of a feeling, marking its onset.

came to feel

Indicates arriving at a certain feeling or emotional state over time.

started experiencing

Focuses on the initiation of experiencing a physical or emotional sensation.

began sensing

Similar to 'began to sense' but with a more direct and concise expression.

initiated feeling

A more technical or clinical way to describe the beginning of a sensation.

had a dawning sense of

Emphasizes the gradual and unfolding nature of recognizing a feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "started to feel" to describe the beginning of an emotion or physical sensation. For example, "After the good news, I "started to feel" optimistic". Or, "As the music swelled, I "started to feel" a sense of joy".

What are some alternatives to "started to feel"?

Some alternatives include "began to sense", "commenced to experience", or "developed a feeling of", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I started to felt"?

No, "I started to felt" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I "started to feel"". The verb "feel" should be in its base form after "to".

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

While both phrases are similar, ""started to feel"" often implies a slightly more sudden or immediate onset of a feeling, whereas "began to feel" can suggest a more gradual or progressive development.