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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I founded

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I founded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when stating that you established or created something, such as a company, organization, or project. Example: "I founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental conservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I founded Netflix.

I founded it.

News & Media

The New York Times

I founded two divisions there.

News & Media

The New York Times

In college, I founded the chess club.

News & Media

Independent

I founded Rifco in 1999.

News & Media

The Guardian

I founded El Puente in 1982.

News & Media

The New York Times

I founded Alhoa Rag in Hawaii in 1992.

News & Media

The New York Times

The company I founded originally sold long-distance calling cards.

News & Media

The New York Times

They've stampeded on the spirit of the magazine I founded.

I founded my company from what I learned from them.

News & Media

The New York Times

"I was 27 when I founded Jimmy Choo..

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I founded", clearly state what you founded and, if relevant, the context or purpose of its founding. This provides clarity and emphasizes your contribution.

Common error

Avoid using "I founded" if your role was merely contributory or supportive. Reserve this phrase for situations where you played a principal role in the establishment of something.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I founded" primarily functions as a declarative statement indicating the speaker's role in establishing something. Ludwig examples show it used to denote the creation of companies, organizations, and various initiatives. It's often followed by the name of the entity founded.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I founded" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to declare the act of establishing an organization, company, or initiative. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", but also "Science" and "Formal & Business" texts, it indicates a formal tone and intention to clearly assert the speaker's pivotal role. Alternatives such as "I established" or "I created" can be employed based on the specific context. When using "I founded", clarity is crucial; explicitly stating what was founded and the purpose behind it strengthens the statement's impact.

FAQs

How can I use "I founded" in a sentence?

You can use "I founded" to state that you established or created something, such as a company, organization, or project. For example, "I founded a nonprofit dedicated to providing educational resources to underprivileged communities".

What can I say instead of "I founded"?

You can use alternatives like "I established", "I created", or "I started" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I founded" versus "I helped found"?

"I founded" implies a primary role in the establishment of something, while "I helped found" suggests a collaborative effort where you were one of several key contributors. Use "I founded" when you initiated or played a leading role in the creation and "I helped found" when you were part of a team.

Is "I founded" formal or informal?

The phrase "I founded" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While appropriate in professional settings, you might opt for a more casual alternative like "I started" in informal conversations.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: