started to sway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to sway" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual movement back and forth or side to side, often in a rhythmic or gentle manner. Example: "As the music played, the crowd started to sway to the beat, lost in the rhythm of the moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

We started to sway.

The New York Times

It has started to sway.

The New Yorker

Some people started to sway from side to side.

The Guardian

The appeal has started to sway small, urban businesses.

The New Yorker

"Suddenly, the walls started to sway, and it was nothing to do with the alcohol.

The Guardian

At this, a Brazilian catwalk star, Talytha Pugliese, leapt up and started to sway.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

And Mr. Linen starts to sway.

The New York Times

As the ensuing Barcarolle commences, everyone starts to sway to and fro, bending and arching in the best Ashton manner.

The New York Times - Arts

Probably a bit of both, but I'm starting to sway towards it being a coaching issue.

Independent

He was amazed that his kid he still thought of him as a little boy was starting to sway him.

Harvard Business Review

You're looking at a photo of some van Gogh sunflowers, and the flowers start to sway on their long stalks as if stirred by a breeze.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to sway" when describing a gentle, rhythmic movement or a gradual shift in opinion or influence. For physical movements, consider the object's properties to ensure "sway" is appropriate. For example, "The dancer started to sway" or "The argument started to sway public opinion".

Common error

Avoid using "started to sway" to describe objects that are inherently fixed or actions that don't involve movement. For example, instead of saying "The building started to sway even before the earthquake", consider "The building showed signs of structural weakness before the earthquake".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to sway" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a swaying motion or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, showing usage across diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started to sway" is a grammatically sound and neutrally registered verb phrase that describes the initiation of a swaying movement or a shift in opinion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While not exceedingly common, its presence in reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian validates its reliability. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a gentle or gradual movement or influence, and consider alternative phrasings to enhance clarity or precision. It's suitable for varied contexts, but especially apt when describing physical motion or changing perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiated swaying

Highlights the action of beginning the swaying motion.

began to waver

Focuses on an unsteady or hesitant start of movement.

commenced to rock

Emphasizes a rhythmic back and forth movement.

began to swing

Indicates a broader, more pronounced movement.

started to tilt

Specifies a leaning movement in one direction.

commenced to lean

Implies a gradual shift in position.

initiated to teeter

Highlights an unstable or precarious beginning of movement.

began to undulate

Implies a wave-like or flowing movement.

began to influence

Shifts the meaning towards persuasion or impact.

started to affect

Similar to influence, but can also imply a change in condition.

FAQs

What does "started to sway" mean?

"Started to sway" describes the beginning of a gentle, rhythmic movement from side to side or back and forth. It can also figuratively mean the beginning of a change in opinion or influence.

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

You can use "started to sway" to describe the motion of something physical, such as "The trees "started to sway" in the wind", or to describe a shift in belief, such as "The evidence "started to sway" the jury".

Which is more appropriate, "began to sway" or "started to sway"?

Both "began to sway" and "started to sway" are grammatically correct and similar in meaning. "Began to sway" might sound slightly more formal, while "started to sway" is more commonly used in everyday language.

What are some alternatives to "started to sway"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "began to waver", "commenced to rock", or "started to tilt" to describe slightly different types of movement or influence.