started to recognize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to recognize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of the process of becoming aware of or identifying something. Example: "As she reviewed the evidence, she started to recognize patterns that had previously gone unnoticed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

People outside the neighborhood started to recognize its name.

The New York Times

Slowly people started to recognize and appreciate me for it.

The New York Times

Government officials have started to recognize the intense pressure on students.

The New Yorker

He burned his trademark fedora, which people had started to recognize from the film.

The New Yorker

They started to recognize a need for multiple umpires, usually to avoid some sort of cheating.

The New Yorker

I'd started to recognize the inhabitants, the routes to the best coffee shops.

The New York Times

After about 20 minutes, the lightning bolt hit -- I started to recognize some of the character combinations.

The New York Times - Travel

I started to recognize the names of the studios responsible for my afternoon diversions: Hammer, Amicus, American International Pictures.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I am starting to recognize faces now.

The New York Times

You start to recognize certain things".

The New York Times

The media headlines start to recognize surprises, downside surprises.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to recognize" to indicate the initial stage of becoming aware of something, especially after a period of unawareness. For example: "After analyzing the data, the researchers started to recognize a significant trend."

Common error

Avoid using "started to recognize" when the recognition is immediate or instantaneous. For example, it's less appropriate to say "I started to recognize my friend when he walked into the room" if you saw him clearly and immediately knew who he was.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to recognize" functions as a verb phrase indicating the beginning of an action. It suggests the initiation of a process of identification or awareness. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started to recognize" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote the commencement of an awareness or identification process. As Ludwig confirms, it finds frequent application across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various communication styles. To enrich your writing, consider alternatives like "began to realize" or "came to perceive" for a more nuanced expression. Remember to avoid using "started to recognize" when describing instantaneous recognition. With these guidelines, you can effectively use "started to recognize" and its alternatives to convey the beginning of understanding or awareness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started to understand

Similar meaning with emphasis on understanding.

began to realize

Emphasizes the dawning of understanding, rather than just identification.

started to notice

Emphasizes the initial act of observing or paying attention.

began to identify

Focuses on the process of discerning or naming something.

came to perceive

Focuses on sensory or intuitive understanding.

became conscious of

Focuses on becoming aware, especially of something previously unnoticed.

commenced to acknowledge

More formal and emphasizes acceptance or admission.

initiated awareness of

Highlights the beginning of being conscious or informed.

evolved to recognize

Implies a more gradual and developmental process of recognition.

developed an understanding of

Suggests a gradual process of comprehension.

FAQs

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

You can use "started to recognize" to indicate the beginning of an awareness or understanding. For example: "As she learned more about the topic, she "started to recognize" the patterns in the data."

What can I say instead of "started to recognize"?

You can use alternatives like "began to realize", "came to perceive", or "started to understand" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "started to recognize" or "began recognizing"?

Both "started to recognize" and "began recognizing" are grammatically correct. "Started to recognize" emphasizes the initiation of the recognition process, while "began recognizing" focuses more on the action of recognizing itself. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "started to recognize" and "recognized"?

"Started to recognize" indicates the beginning of awareness, whereas "recognized" implies complete identification or understanding. "I "started to recognize" the symptoms" means you began to identify them, while "I recognized the symptoms" means you fully identified them.