I initially started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I initially started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you began something at an earlier time, often to contrast with a later action or decision. Example: "I initially started my career in marketing, but later transitioned to software development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I initially started doing it to cure my back pain, which was consuming my life.

The Guardian - Money

I think I initially started inventing characters in my songs because I didn't want to write directly about myself.

The New York Times

"I initially started doing extra work to have more wiggle room in my income — cash to spend on fashion, going out or for savings.

The New York Times

"I started this line as I wanted to re-engage with the audience that I initially started the brand for," 26-year-old Jones says.

Independent

"The idea for 'Street Photography V' came to me a couple of days after I initially started playing the game," he tells the Independent.

Independent

Time for a Let's Move To? David Wiggins Stockport When I initially started reading The Last Saturday, I didn't quite get it, but now I'm hooked.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

When we initially started, I sat down with our chief executive and said: "This is going to be a mammoth task".

The Guardian

Jed: Well, the shop initially started from, again, I moved to the Dana Point area and I just loved it.

Huffington Post

"When he initially started talking about it, I expressed my concerns about it," he said.

The New York Times

I also asked Dr. Donohue about the difference in interdisciplinary collaboration from when she initially started in research to now.

Duke University

You initially started with the Project Management certificate.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "I initially started" with a reason or explanation to provide context. For example, "I initially started with a basic design, but later added more complex features based on user feedback."

Common error

Avoid using "I initially started" when the 'initially' is redundant or obvious from the context. For example, instead of "I initially started to learn piano and then quit", it's more concise to say "I started learning piano and then quit".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I initially started" functions as a statement of past action, indicating the beginning of an activity or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically sound and widely applicable. It often sets the stage for describing subsequent developments or changes related to that initial action, as demonstrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

29%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I initially started" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the beginning of an action or process, as supported by Ludwig AI. It's most frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. The phrase sets the stage for describing subsequent developments or changes and can be replaced with alternatives like "I began by" or "At first, I started" depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, it's best to provide context for the initial action and avoid redundancy. Overall, "I initially started" serves as a clear and effective way to introduce a sequence of events or explain the early stages of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began by

Focuses on the act of beginning, omitting the temporal aspect of 'initially'.

I first commenced

More formal than "I initially started" using 'commenced' instead of 'started'.

At first, I started

Adds emphasis on the temporal sequence, highlighting that the initial action was followed by something else.

Initially, I commenced

More formal version using 'commenced' and placing 'initially' at the beginning.

Originally, I started

Emphasizes the original intent or state, implying a possible change from the original plan.

I had originally started

Highlights the initial start as something that happened earlier, potentially before a change or modification.

My starting point was

Shifts the focus from the action to the point of origin or departure.

I launched initially

Uses 'launched' to convey a more active or deliberate beginning, particularly suitable in business or project contexts.

To begin with, I started

Offers a more conversational, introductory tone.

In the beginning, I started

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the start, emphasizing the initial phase.

FAQs

What does "I initially started" mean?

The phrase "I initially started" means you began something at a certain time but that it may have changed or evolved since then.

What are some alternatives to "I initially started"?

You can use alternatives like "I began by", "at first, I started", or "originally, I started" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "I initially started"?

Sometimes, yes. If it's already clear you're referring to the beginning of something, "initially" might be redundant. Consider whether it adds clarity or is simply repetitive.

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

You can use "I initially started" to explain the early stages of a project, a learning process, or any situation that has evolved. For instance, "I initially started this project with a small team, but it quickly grew."