started to go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to go" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of a movement or action towards a destination or state. Example: "As the sun began to set, we started to go home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I started to go.

The New Yorker

Then slowly things started to go awry.

The New York Times - Magazine

But then things started to go wrong.

The New York Times

Then things started to go wrong.

The Economist

The couple started to go.

The New York Times

Then I started to go.

The Guardian

But then things started to go awry.

The Guardian - Games

It started to go downhill from there.

The Guardian - Opinion

But then it started to go wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Oulu, the capital city of northern Finland, has also started to 'go underground'.

Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

"I think he started to go mad".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started to go", ensure the context clearly indicates the direction or state being transitioned towards. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "started to go" when a simpler verb like "left" or "began" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound wordy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to go" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an action or movement. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used to describe the beginning of a transition or journey.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started to go" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate the beginning of an action or a transition to a different state or location. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Academia. While it is widely accepted, it's important to be mindful of potential wordiness and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "started to go" to convey the commencement of events in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started the process of leaving

Explicitly mentions the beginning of the process of leaving.

began to move

Replaces "started" with a synonym and uses a more direct verb for movement.

began the journey to

Highlights the initiation of a journey.

commenced to leave

Substitutes "started" with a more formal synonym and replaces "go" with "leave".

initiated departure

Uses a noun-based construction to describe the start of leaving.

set out to proceed

Indicates a deliberate beginning of a journey or process.

took off to advance

Emphasizes a rapid or energetic start towards progress.

got underway to continue

Highlights the commencement of something that will persist.

jumped to initiate

Indicates an eager or impulsive start.

arose to depart

A more literary way to describe the beginning of a departure.

FAQs

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

You can use "started to go" to describe the beginning of a movement or a change of state. For example, "As the music ended, the crowd "started to go" home."

What are some alternatives to "started to go"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "began to leave", "commenced to depart", or simply "left" for a more concise expression.

When is it appropriate to use "started to go" instead of just "went"?

"Started to go" is suitable when you want to emphasize the beginning of an action or transition, rather than the completed action itself. "Went" simply indicates the action happened.

Is there a difference between "started to go" and "began to go"?

"Started to go" and "began to go" are largely interchangeable and have very similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.