started to turn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to turn" is grammatically correct, and can be used in written English.
For example: "The sky slowly started to turn from a brilliant blue to a deep purple."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The conversation started to turn.

The New York Times - Magazine

And then the tide started to turn.

Independent

But then the tide started to turn.

The Washington Post

Then they started to turn up dead.

The New York Times

But then things started to turn ugly.

The Guardian - Books

And the fans have started to turn.

The Guardian - Sport

And the press started to turn, too.

The Guardian - Music

The green expanse started to turn white.

The New York Times - Science

In 1989, things started to turn around.

The New York Times

In September of 2015, Lindsey started to turn yellow.

Stanford University

The next morning, he started to turn on television.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to turn" to indicate the initial phase of a change, whether it's a physical alteration, a shift in circumstances, or an evolution in thought. This phrase is effective for setting the scene at the beginning of a transformative process.

Common error

Avoid using "started to turn" without clearly indicating what is changing and the direction of the change. For instance, instead of saying 'Things started to turn', specify 'The economy "started to turn around"' to provide a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to turn" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of a change or transition. It is often used to describe the beginning of a process, whether physical, emotional, or circumstantial. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started to turn" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the beginning of a change or shift. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media, academia, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure to provide context to what is changing to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "began to shift" or "commenced to alter" for subtle variations in meaning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "started to turn" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to shift

Emphasizes a gradual change in position or direction.

began to change

Focuses on the commencement of a transformation in state or condition.

commenced to alter

Highlights the initiation of a modification process.

began to veer

Specifically indicates a deviation from a straight course.

started to deviate

Implies a departure from an established norm or path.

began to evolve

Suggests a gradual development or unfolding.

initiated a reversal

Highlights the beginning of a complete change to the opposite.

started to invert

Focuses on the action of something being turned upside down or inside out.

began its turnaround

Implies the start of an improvement from a bad situation.

initiated a pivot

Indicates the beginning of a strategic change in direction.

FAQs

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

Use "started to turn" to describe the initial phase of a change or shift. For example, "The weather "started to turn colder"", or "The conversation "started to turn serious"".

What are some alternatives to "started to turn"?

You can use alternatives like "began to change", "began to shift", or "commenced to alter" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate: "started to turn" or "began turning"?

"Started to turn" and "began turning" are both grammatically correct and semantically similar, but "started to turn" emphasizes the initiation of the change, while "began turning" focuses on the continuous action. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "the tide has started to turn"?

Yes, "the tide has "started to turn"" is a common idiom used to describe a shift from a negative or unfavorable situation to a more positive one.