I had started

USAGE SUMMARY

"I had started" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to an action that has already been started in the past and is often used with a past perfect tense. Example: I had started my homework before I realized I had left my book at school.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I had started doing some technology consulting.

The New York Times

I had started work the previous day.

The Guardian

"I had started going places," she said.

The New York Times

I had started taking pictures at gigs.

The Guardian - Arts

I had started with a ten-minute exercise.

The New Yorker

I had started something I couldn't satisfyingly finish.

The New York Times

I had started forgetting to charge for whipped cream.

The New Yorker

I wish I had started my slide a step earlier.

The New York Times - Sports

But I had started to want to bolt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I had started to earn money with the murals.

The New York Times - Magazine

I had started my sandbagging career on the bottom rung.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I had started", ensure the subsequent action is also in the past to maintain consistency in tense.

Common error

Avoid using "I had started" with a present tense verb in the subsequent clause. For example, instead of "I had started cooking when the guests arrive", use "I had started cooking when the guests arrived".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I had started" functions as the past perfect tense of the verb 'start'. It indicates an action that began before another action in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I had started" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used phrase in English to describe an action that was in progress before another event occurred in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in academic and scientific writing. When using this phrase, it's important to maintain consistency in tense and ensure that the subsequent action is also in the past. While there are several alternatives, such as "I had begun" or "I commenced", the best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had begun

Replaces 'started' with 'begun', a synonym with a slightly more formal tone.

I commenced

Uses 'commenced' instead of 'started', indicating a more formal initiation.

I initiated

Substitutes 'started' with 'initiated', implying a more deliberate beginning.

I had set about

Replaces "started" with "set about", indicating the beginning of an action or task.

I had undertaken

Uses 'undertaken' instead of 'started', suggesting a more significant or challenging endeavor.

I had embarked on

Substitutes 'started' with 'embarked on', conveying a sense of adventure or commitment.

I had launched

Replaces "started" with "launched", suggesting a forceful or public beginning.

I had gotten underway

Uses 'gotten underway' instead of 'started', indicating that something has already begun and is in progress.

I had taken up

Substitutes 'started' with 'taken up', suggesting the beginning of a new hobby or activity.

I was in the process of

Replaces "I had started" with a more descriptive phrase indicating that the action was underway.

FAQs

How can I use "I had started" in a sentence?

"I had started" is used to describe an action that was in progress before another event in the past. For example, "I had started my homework before my friends called".

What's the difference between "I had started" and "I started"?

"I had started" indicates an action in progress before another past action, emphasizing sequence. "I started" simply describes the beginning of an action. For example, "I had started cooking dinner when the phone rang" versus "I started cooking dinner at 6 PM".

Which is correct, "I had started" or "I have started"?

"I had started" is used for past perfect tense, linking two past events. "I have started" is present perfect tense, linking a past action to the present. The correct one depends on the context. For example, "I had started reading the book before the movie came out" versus "I have started reading the book, and I'm enjoying it so far".

What can I say instead of "I had started"?

You can use alternatives like "I had begun", "I commenced", or "I initiated" depending on the context.