started to know

USAGE SUMMARY

"started to know" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used when someone begins to understand or gain knowledge about something. For example: "When Brad started to know more about investing, he decided to open his own brokerage account."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He has started to know how to work with certain players, what works for you.

Independent

But after a while I stopped doing that, because I started to know where I was.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"After we worked for about 10 years in the area, people started to know more about it".

The New York Times - Science

"It was chiefly during these lovely skiing holidays," Mary later wrote, "that I started to know my mother more as a person than a deity".

The Guardian - Books

Martin: We've known each other for at least 20 years, but we really started to know each other in a closer way for I guess three years now.

The Guardian

"When I saw Mac, I said, 'Well, he's O.K.' But when I started to know him and talk to him, I said, 'This kid's going to be good, because he wants to get better, he wants to learn.' He was 21 or 22, but he was ready to go and he was asking questions: 'What do I need to do to get better?' Something the other guy never had.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

People start to know that Patchogue exists".

The New York Times

"Now, people are starting to know my name," Castillo said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We start to know who lives next door".

The New York Times

Little by little, he start to know it, to organize it".

The New York Times

And when I know the names, I start to know the people.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "began to understand" or "became familiar with" for nuanced expressions.

Common error

While "started to know" indicates the beginning of understanding, it's not appropriate when describing full comprehension. Use "knew" or "came to know" instead to reflect complete knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to know" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of a process. Ludwig AI data indicates its common usage in describing the initial stages of understanding or familiarity. Examples include "I started to know the city" and "He started to know his teammates."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started to know" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the initial phase of understanding or becoming familiar with something. As highlighted by Ludwig, it effectively conveys the commencement of a learning process. The phrase maintains a neutral register and finds frequent use in News & Media. Remember to consider alternatives like "began to understand" or "became familiar with" for more specific nuances. Use "started to know" when describing the beginning of understanding. Avoid it when a complete understanding has already been achieved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to understand

Focuses on the comprehension aspect, rather than familiarity.

became familiar with

Emphasizes acquaintance and ease with something.

grew to know

Highlights a gradual process of knowing.

came to realize

Implies a sudden understanding or awareness.

started to comprehend

Stresses the mental process of grasping something.

developed an understanding of

Highlights the creation of a comprehension.

began to appreciate

Implies growing fondness or recognition of value.

started to grasp

Emphasizes the initial stage of understanding something complex.

became aware of

Focuses on gaining consciousness or perception.

started to see

Implies a shift in perspective or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "started to know" to describe the beginning of a process of understanding or becoming familiar with something. For example, "I "started to know" the city after living there for a few months".

What's a good alternative to "started to know"?

Alternatives to "started to know" include "began to understand", "became familiar with", or "grew to know" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "start to know" instead of "started to know"?

"Start to know" implies an action that is beginning in the present, while "started to know" indicates an action that began in the past. The choice depends on the intended timeframe.

What is the difference between "started to know" and "came to know"?

"Started to know" emphasizes the initial phase of learning, while "came to know" suggests the eventual result of gaining knowledge. The phrase "came to know" implies a more complete or significant understanding.