started to learn

USAGE SUMMARY

"started to learn" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that has begun or is beginning. For example: "Mary started to learn sign language last week so she could communicate better with her deaf friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I started to learn.

The Guardian

That's when I started to learn about journalism.

Independent

I started to learn how to deal with people.

The New York Times

But humanity may have started to learn its lesson.

The New York Times - Food

"I started to learn how to play it," she said.

The New York Times

The music industry has belatedly started to learn this.

The Economist

After two miserable years I started to learn".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He started to learn sign language but stopped.

The New York Times - Health

This is how I started to learn Marra.

The Guardian - Opinion

But as we started to learn more, our focus shifted.

The Guardian

I started to learn the rules and became interested in the tactics of the game.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the beginning of a learning process, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Started to learn" is generally versatile, but alternatives like "began learning" or "commenced learning" may be more appropriate in formal contexts.

Common error

While "started to learn" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse can make your writing monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "began learning" or "initiated learning" to add depth and variety to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to learn" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of an action. As shown by Ludwig, it describes the initiation of acquiring a new skill, understanding, or body of knowledge. This usage is affirmed by the positive assessment from Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started to learn" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe the initiation of a learning process. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile and suitable for various contexts, though more formal alternatives exist. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its common usage in news and media, followed by science and more formal business settings. For enhanced writing, consider using synonyms like "began learning" to avoid monotony. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "started to learn" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began learning

Focuses on the initiation of the learning process, similar to "started to learn".

commenced learning

A more formal way of saying "started to learn", indicating the beginning of a learning journey.

initiated learning

Emphasizes the act of starting the learning process, often used in educational or academic contexts.

took up learning

Suggests actively choosing to learn something, highlighting the voluntary aspect.

embarked on learning

Implies a more involved and potentially challenging learning experience.

set about learning

Indicates a determined approach to learning something new.

got into learning

A more casual way of saying "started to learn", suggesting developing an interest in a subject.

developed an interest in

Focuses on the development of interest that resulted in start of learning process

became a student of

Emphasizes the role of learner in the process of gaining knowledge of something

explored the world of

Highlights the investigation and knowledge expansion aspects of start of learning something new

FAQs

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

You can use "started to learn" to describe the beginning of acquiring a new skill or knowledge. For example, "She started to learn French last year" or "He started to learn coding after graduation".

What are some alternatives to "started to learn"?

Some alternatives to "started to learn" include "began learning", "commenced learning", or "took up learning". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "started learning" or "started to learn"?

Both "started learning" and "started to learn" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Started learning" is more concise, while "started to learn" can sometimes add emphasis to the beginning of the learning process.

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

"Started to learn" and "began to learn" are very similar in meaning. "Began to learn" might be considered slightly more formal, but both are generally interchangeable.