starts to live

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starts to live" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the beginning of life or existence, often in a metaphorical sense, such as when someone begins to embrace life or a new experience. Example: "After years of feeling lost, she finally starts to live and enjoy every moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It starts to live.

The New York Times

You add water, and it starts to live.

The New York Times

Or as he starts to live: "Living" and "Doomed" are the usual English titles for "Ikiru," and it speaks to the film's subtlety that Kurosawa lets us see them as nearly synonyms.

The New York Times

"Some writer said sometimes you have this extraordinary experience where a character just gets up and starts to live a life and you are just running to keep up".

The New York Times

The Philadelphia 76ers should be more dangerous with another year of experience under their collective belt, especially if Markelle Fultz starts to live up to his status of being last year's top overall draft pick.

Forbes

The man who only had himself to live for, starts to live for someone else and that begins to change who he is.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

To start to live again.

The Guardian

He started to live again.

The Guardian

We spend so much time waiting to start to live.

The New Yorker

Finch went back to London & started to live too high.

The New Yorker

"It came in when women started to live differently.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "starts to live", ensure the context clearly indicates whether it's referring to the literal beginning of life, or a metaphorical sense of embracing life more fully.

Common error

Avoid using "starts to live" when the intended meaning is simply 'begins to live' in a literal, mundane sense. Reserve it for situations where there's a transformative or significant change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starts to live" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of an active or vibrant existence. Ludwig shows, this phrase is often used metaphorically to convey a significant change or turning point in someone's life.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

14%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "starts to live" is a verb phrase signifying the commencement of a renewed or more engaged existence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is often used metaphorically, as seen in various news and media contexts. Although not exceedingly common, its usage is grammatically sound and contextually appropriate, making it a valuable expression for describing significant life changes or beginnings. While the sources using the expression are varied, most come from News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the transformative nature of the situation you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begins to thrive

Focuses on growth and success in the initial stages of life or a new venture.

awakens to life

Suggests a transition from dormancy or inactivity to an active state.

takes on a life of its own

Indicates that something gains independence and begins to evolve separately.

commences to exist vibrantly

Highlights the emergence of a lively or energetic existence.

becomes animated

Focuses on the start of being lively or full of energy.

embarks on living

Emphasizes the beginning of a journey or experience of life.

springs into existence

Highlights the sudden or rapid onset of life or activity.

shows signs of life

Implies that there's an indication of beginning of existence.

initiates a life

Formal and somewhat literal, referring to the very start of living.

finds its feet

Suggests a new entity finding stability and direction.

FAQs

How can I use "starts to live" in a sentence?

The phrase "starts to live" is often used metaphorically to describe a new beginning or a significant change in someone's life. For example: "After overcoming her fears, she finally "starts to live" life to the fullest".

What's a good alternative to "starts to live"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "begins to thrive", "awakens to life", or "becomes animated" to convey a similar meaning to "starts to live".

Is it correct to say "start to live" instead of "starts to live"?

While "start to live" is grammatically correct, it is typically used when the subject is plural or 'I'. For a singular subject, ""starts to live"" is the correct form.

What does it mean when someone "starts to live"?

When someone ""starts to live"", it usually implies that they are beginning to experience life in a more meaningful, active, or fulfilling way, often after a period of stagnation or difficulty.