we started swimming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we started swimming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the beginning of the action of swimming, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "After a long day at the beach, we started swimming as the sun began to set."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We started swimming.

The New Yorker

Elated, we started swimming back to the boat.

The Guardian - Travel

Map "We started swimming there in the mid-1960s," wrotEva Reillyly.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"You sink or you swim and sinking's not an option, so you swim and we get back in tomorrow and we start swimming again and we'll get on with it.

BBC

We turned and started swimming.

BBC

"When we set off in the kayaks, he started swimming after us," Lindnord said.

Huffington Post

"Then I started swimming.

The Guardian

I started swimming at four.

The Guardian - Sport

Both started swimming with intent aged six.

Independent

At 6, Albrycht started swimming competitively.

The New York Times

"But the dolphin extracted itself and started swimming again".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we started swimming" to clearly indicate the beginning of the act of swimming, often after a period of preparation or hesitation. It's suitable for narratives, personal anecdotes, and descriptive passages.

Common error

Refrain from repeating "we started swimming" multiple times in a short passage. Vary your language with synonyms like "we began to swim" or descriptive alternatives to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we started swimming" functions as a declarative statement indicating the commencement of an action. It uses the past tense of the verb "start" followed by the gerund "swimming". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we started swimming" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the beginning of a swimming activity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English. The phrase finds frequent usage in journalistic contexts for describing real-world events. For stylistic variation, consider using alternative phrases like "we began to swim" or "we went for a swim". While widely applicable, avoid overuse and be mindful of the context to maintain clarity and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we began to swim

Formal alternative, replacing "started" with "began".

we commenced swimming

A more formal and less common alternative to "started".

we initiated swimming

Suggests a more deliberate or planned start to swimming.

we took up swimming

Implies starting swimming as a hobby or regular activity.

we went for a swim

More casual, focuses on the activity of swimming.

we jumped into the water

More descriptive, emphasizing the action of entering the water.

we dived in

Focuses on the action of diving into the water and commencing swimming.

we plunged into the water

Emphasizes a rapid and forceful entry into the water before swimming.

we hit the water

Casual and concise, simply stating the entry into the water.

we entered the water

Neutral and descriptive, emphasizing the action of entering the water.

FAQs

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

You can use "we started swimming" to describe the commencement of a swimming activity, such as "After stretching, we started swimming laps in the pool" or "Seeing the clear water, we started swimming towards the reef".

What are some alternatives to "we started swimming"?

You can use alternatives like "we began to swim", "we commenced swimming", or "we went for a swim" depending on the desired level of formality and context.

Is "we started swimming" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we started swimming" is grammatically correct. The verb "started" is followed by the gerund "swimming", which functions as a noun in this context.

What's the difference between "we started swimming" and "we began swimming"?

While both phrases are similar, "we began swimming" can sound slightly more formal than "we started swimming". The choice depends on the context and your preferred writing style.