started to look

USAGE SUMMARY

"started to look" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate the beginning of an action or activity. Example: "He started to look for his missing keys, checking every room in the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He started to look tired.

The New Yorker

Suddenly, it started to look easy.

The New Yorker

"Then we started to look into details.

The New York Times

"He started to look like a runner".

The New York Times - Sports

Things started to look up.

The New York Times - Arts

Then the scoreboard started to look ridiculous.

The Guardian - Sport

Magid started to look more relaxed.

The New Yorker

We've just started to look in earnest".

The New York Times - Science

That's when life started to look up.

The Guardian - Books

The executive had started to look worried.

The Guardian - Film

"People started to look at me strangely.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to look" to describe the initial phase of noticing a change or initiating a search. It's effective for setting the scene or describing a shift in perception.

Common error

While "started to look" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "began to examine", "initiated a review", or "commenced analysis" to convey a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to look" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action related to observation or appearance. It describes the initial phase of noticing something or beginning a search. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started to look" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate the beginning of an action involving observation or searching. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. While versatile, it is generally neutral in tone and may warrant more precise alternatives in formal contexts. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, this phrase is predominantly found in news and media, followed by scientific publications. When writing, consider the context and intended formality to ensure the most appropriate word choice. Overusing "started to look" can lead to wordiness, so opt for more specific verbs like "began to examine" or "initiated a review" when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started viewing

Replaces 'look' with 'viewing', placing emphasis on the overall process of seeing.

began to appear

Focuses on the emergence of a visual state, rather than the initiation of the act of looking.

began observing

Emphasizes the action of observing, which can be more formal than 'looking'.

began to seem

Shifts the focus to a perceived reality rather than a literal visual assessment.

commenced watching

Similar to 'began observing' but focuses on a continuous act of watching.

commenced to search

Emphasizes the initiation of a search action, differing from a general observation.

initiated observation

Highlights a formal start to watching, less common in everyday language.

turned its gaze

More formal and literary; emphasizes a directed and focused look.

turned to view

Implies a deliberate act of turning one's gaze towards something.

proceeded to examine

Signifies a more thorough and methodical inspection.

FAQs

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

"Started to look" indicates the beginning of an action related to observing or searching, as in, "He "started to look" for his keys" or "The sky "started to look" ominous".

What are some alternatives to "started to look"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "began to appear", "began to seem", or "commenced to search". For example, instead of "The situation started to look dire", you could say "The situation "began to seem dire"".

Is "started to look" formal or informal?

"Started to look" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, more precise alternatives might be preferred.

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

"Started to look" and "began to look" are largely interchangeable, with minimal difference in meaning. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.