started to question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of a process where someone begins to doubt or inquire about something. Example: "After hearing the news, she started to question the decisions made by the management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Maybe you made a questionable social media post and your followers have started to question you.

Huffington Post

"I started to question whether there really was this doctor".

The New Yorker

Banks started to question the company's crumbling finances.

The Guardian

Then they started to question what the return was.

The New York Times

However, in the 1970s, many health educators started to question its value.

Public Health

Friends started to question my religion and where I was brought up.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

You start to question yourself.

The New York Times

They start to question themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

And then I start to question that.

The New York Times - Science

"You start to question management's credibility".

The New York Times

But teachers are starting to question it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started to question", clearly state the object of the questioning to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse by employing synonyms like "began to doubt" or "began to wonder" to add variety to your writing and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to question" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of doubt or inquiry. It describes the action of beginning to have doubts or uncertainties about something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started to question" is a versatile phrase used to denote the beginning of doubt or inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, and maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. To enhance writing, vary its usage with alternatives like "began to doubt" or "began to wonder". By following these guidelines, writers can effectively convey the onset of uncertainty and critical evaluation. The widespread usage and authoritative sources validate its significance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to doubt

Emphasizes the inception of uncertainty or disbelief.

began to wonder

Highlights the starting point of contemplation or speculation.

started having doubts

Indicates the initial appearance of uncertainty.

commenced to doubt

A more formal alternative, indicating the initiation of doubt.

began to inquire

Focuses on the start of an investigation or asking questions.

started second-guessing

Highlights the beginning of questioning one's own decisions or actions.

became skeptical of

Indicates the development of a questioning or doubting attitude.

developed misgivings about

Suggests the emergence of feelings of doubt or apprehension.

aroused suspicion

Highlights how someone's actions might cause others to doubt them.

formulated reservations

Indicates the structured development of doubts or concerns.

FAQs

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

You can use "started to question" to describe when someone begins to doubt something, such as "After seeing the evidence, he "started to question" his initial assumptions".

What are some alternatives to "started to question"?

Alternatives include "began to doubt", "began to wonder", or "started having doubts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "started questioning" or "started to question"?

Both "started questioning" and "started to question" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable, but ""started to question"" might be preferred when emphasizing the beginning of a process of inquiry.

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

"Started to question" indicates the onset of doubt or inquiry, whereas "began to understand" suggests the commencement of comprehension or insight. They represent opposite cognitive processes.