we started being

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "we started being" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to starting a particular state or condition. Example: After months of preparation, we started being more confident in our ability to make it to the competition.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"When we were in the corridor, we started being surrounded by hundreds of people who wanted to talk to us.

The Guardian

Recently, we started being introduced to songs behind specific lenses.

TechCrunch

"We stopped natural selection as soon as we started being able to rear 95 99 per cent of our babies that are born.

Science Magazine

Then we started being called alternative metal.

Wikipedia

So when we started being together in a monogamous relationship, I had my doubts.

Vice

'Don't Let It Get You Down" was when the fog lifted and we started being joyful again".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

What was weird once we started was that it was both strange and familiar.

The Guardian

"The average age when we started was 22," Mr. Tsang said.

The New York Times

"Can't Stop This Thing We Started" was the second single from the album.

Wikipedia

"We can start being a lot more scientific," he observes.

The New York Times

Perhaps we should start being honest about it, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we started being" when describing the initiation of a continuous state or condition, particularly when emphasizing a shift or change over time.

Common error

Avoid using "we started being" when a simpler verb construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "we started being friends", use "we became friends".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we started being" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It describes the point at which a change or new status began.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we started being" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the commencement of a state or condition. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is suitable for describing a transition or change over time. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it applicable across various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately conveys the initiation of a continuous state, and consider simpler alternatives like "we became" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we became

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic meaning, emphasizing the resulting state.

we began to be

Uses "began" instead of "started", offering a slightly more formal tone.

we were starting to

Emphasizes the continuous and ongoing nature of the process.

we commenced to be

Replaces "started" with "commenced", which is a more formal synonym, and alters the verb form slightly.

we initiated being

Substitutes "started" with "initiated", indicating a more deliberate beginning.

we came to be

Indicates a process of eventual realization or transformation.

we grew to be

Implies a gradual change over time, a slow progression into a state of being.

we turned into

Focuses on the transformation aspect, highlighting the change in state.

we evolved into

Highlights a process of natural development into a different state.

we set about being

Highlights the intention and purpose behind the action of being something.

FAQs

How can I use "we started being" in a sentence?

Use "we started being" when describing the beginning of a state or condition. For example, "After the merger, "we started being" more innovative."

What's a good alternative to "we started being"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "we began to be", "we became", or "we grew to be".

Is it correct to say "we started being" or should I use "we began being"?

Both "we started being" and "we began being" are grammatically correct, but "we began being" may sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "we started being" and "we became"?

"We started being" emphasizes the initiation of a process or state, while "we became" focuses on the result of that process. For example, "We started being friends" implies the beginning of a friendship, while "we became friends" states that the friendship exists.