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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
I started as a
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The part of the sentence "I started as a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain the role you began with when starting a new job, experience, or task. For example, "I started as a clerk at the local post office, and eventually got promoted to assistant manager."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
"I started as a violinist.
News & Media
I started as a hobby.
News & Media
I started as a painter.
News & Media
I started as a third baseman.
News & Media
"I started as a day worker".
News & Media
"I started as a copycat," Rother told me.
News & Media
Aisam Qureshi: Initially I started as a singles player.
News & Media
I started as a hoofer and all-round chorus girl.
News & Media
"I started as a musician, mainly piano and music theory.
News & Media
I started as a production superintendent and later was director of operations.
News & Media
I started as a student there in the middle of my sophomore year.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "I started as a" when you want to clearly and concisely state your initial role or position in a specific context.
Common error
Avoid using "I started as" without specifying the role or position that you began with. Always complete the phrase to provide clarity and context. For instance, instead of saying just "I started as", say "I started as a software engineer."
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "I started as a" functions as an introductory clause that indicates the speaker's initial role, position, or activity. It serves to provide context or background information, as seen in the Ludwig examples.
Frequent in
News & Media
47%
Science
26%
Formal & Business
11%
Less common in
Academia
3%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "I started as a" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce one's initial role or position, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves to provide context and background information about an individual's career or involvement. While versatile across registers, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for both professional and informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure you specify the role to avoid ambiguity.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
I began my career as a
Replaces "started" with "began my career", emphasizing the professional aspect.
My initial role was as a
Uses a more formal tone, highlighting the initial position.
I originally worked as a
Focuses on the original work or employment.
At first, I was a
Highlights the initial state or condition.
Initially, I served as a
Uses a more formal word choice, "served", emphasizing the role's function.
I commenced my journey as a
Employs a more metaphorical and narrative tone.
My entry point was as a
Focuses on the point of entry into a field or organization.
The first position I held was as a
A more detailed and descriptive alternative.
I launched my professional life as a
Highlights the beginning of a professional path.
My introduction to the field was as a
Focuses on the introduction to a particular field of work.
FAQs
How can I use "I started as a" in a sentence?
Use "I started as a" to describe your initial role or position within an organization, field, or activity. For example, "I started as a cashier, and now I'm the store manager" or "I started as a volunteer before becoming a full-time employee".
What are some alternatives to "I started as a"?
Alternatives include "I began my career as a", "My initial role was as a", or "I originally worked as a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it correct to say "I have started as a" instead of "I started as a"?
While grammatically correct, "I have started as a" implies a more recent or ongoing beginning. "I started as a" is generally preferred for describing a past initial role. For instance, "I started as a project manager last year" is more natural than "I have started as a project manager last year".
What's the difference between "I started as a" and "I began as a"?
"I started as a" and "I began as a" are largely interchangeable. "Began" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but both effectively convey the idea of an initial role or position.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested