we started to get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we started to get" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the beginning of a process or feeling, often indicating a gradual change or realization. Example: "As the days went by, we started to get a better understanding of the project's requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Slowly we started to get results.

Princeton University

And that's when we started to get political".

The Guardian

After beating Togo we started to get real confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

"And we started to get to know each other.

The New Yorker

We need to finish what we started – to get the job done.

Independent

We started to get a theory that when you don't go, that's when you win.

The New York Times

Then, on the second day, we started to get more reflective about what all this meant.

The New York Times

[laughs] About two and a half years ago, we started to get serious.

The New York Times

"So after we recorded these demos, of course we started to get attached to them.

The New York Times - Arts

"At first, we were settling for jumpers and then we started to get to the rim".

The New York Times - Sports

Then we started to get these rumblings that Owens Corning had asbestos liability problems.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we started to get" to describe the commencement of a gradual process or the initial stage of acquiring something. It's best suited for scenarios where the action isn't instantaneous, but develops over time.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, consider replacing "we started to get" with more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "we began to observe", "we commenced analyzing", or "we initiated the process of understanding" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we started to get" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of an action or the beginning of a state. It is used to express the initial phase of acquiring, receiving, or understanding something. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we started to get" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the onset of an action, feeling, or state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, it frequently appears in News & Media. While acceptable in most contexts, it may benefit from more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing to enhance precision. Consider replacing it with phrases like "we began to receive", "we commenced acquiring", or "we initiated receiving" for a more sophisticated tone. This ensures clarity and professionalism while maintaining the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we began to receive

Focuses on the reception aspect, implying the act of obtaining something.

we became to understand

Indicates a gradual process of comprehension.

we initiated receiving

Highlights the initiation of the receiving action.

we found ourselves gaining

Emphasizes the discovery of gaining something, often unexpectedly.

we commenced to acquire

Emphasizes formal beginning of acquiring something, more formal.

we launched into obtaining

Implies a more active and forceful start towards obtaining something.

we developed a knack for

Suggests the development of a skill or talent.

we turned to procuring

Suggests a shift in focus towards procuring.

we cultivated an ability to

Highlights the deliberate cultivation of an ability.

we fostered the potential to

Focuses on nurturing the growth of a certain potential.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we started to get" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "we began to receive", "we commenced acquiring", or "we initiated receiving" depending on the specific context.

Is "we started to get" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "we started to get" might be perceived as too informal for certain academic contexts. Consider stronger alternatives such as "we began to observe" or "we initiated the analysis".

What's a more concise way to say "we started to get"?

Depending on the context, you might use shorter alternatives like "we received", "we obtained", or "we gained".

How does "we started to get" differ from "we began to get"?

The difference is minimal. Both phrases convey a similar meaning. "We began to get"/"we began to get" might be slightly more formal, but they are largely interchangeable in most situations.