started to think

USAGE SUMMARY

"started to think" is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone has initiated thinking about something. For example, "He started to think about how he could solve the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The smog started to think.

The New York Times

She started to think about drama school.

The New Yorker

"I started to think," Harris said later.

The New Yorker

After that call, I started to think.

The New York Times

Mr Batista started to think bigger.

The Economist

I started to think way too much.

The New York Times - Sports

I started to think about moving out.

The New Yorker

Schmidt started to think of departing.

The New Yorker

And he started to think.

The Washington Post

Then I started to think.

The New York Times

I started to think wild thoughts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally replacing "started to think" with alternatives like "began to ponder" or "got to thinking" to avoid monotony.

Common error

Avoid using "started to think" excessively in a single piece of writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Opt for more varied and descriptive language to convey the beginning of a thought process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to think" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a cognitive process. It signals the point at which someone begins to engage in thought, reflection, or consideration. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started to think" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signals the beginning of a thought process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's advisable to vary your language by considering alternatives such as "began to ponder" or "got to thinking" to prevent repetition. Use "started to think" judiciously to effectively convey the initiation of contemplation in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started considering

A direct and simple alternative, less emphatic than "started to think".

got to thinking

An informal alternative, emphasizing a casual start to a thought process.

began to ponder

Indicates a more deliberate and focused entry into a thinking state.

began contemplating

Similar to 'began to ponder' but may imply a more spiritual or philosophical angle.

commenced to consider

Suggests a formal or serious initiation of thought.

became thoughtful

Focuses on the resulting state of being after starting to think.

initiated reflection

Implies a more profound and introspective starting point of thinking.

set about reasoning

Focuses on the act of logical thinking and problem-solving.

turned to considering

Highlights the shift from one activity to the act of thinking about something.

entered a state of contemplation

Emphasizes the mental state achieved when beginning to think deeply.

FAQs

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

You can use "started to think" to indicate the beginning of a cognitive process. For example, "After reading the report, I "started to think" about the potential implications."

What are some alternatives to "started to think"?

Alternatives to "started to think" include "began to ponder", "got to thinking", or "commenced to consider", depending on the level of formality and nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "started to think"?

No, it's grammatically correct, according to Ludwig AI. However, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "began contemplating" for variety.

What's the difference between "started to think" and "started thinking"?

"Started to think" emphasizes the initiation of a thought process, while "started thinking" (without "to") simply describes the action of thinking. Both are correct, but the former may imply a more deliberate beginning.