I started by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I started by' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express the idea of beginning something, or to start off an explanation, description, or narrative. For example, you could say "I started by taking a deep breath and counting to five to calm down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I started by telling cabdrivers," she said.

The New York Times

I started by sponsoring one gifted child.

The Guardian

"I started by collecting weapons," he said.

The New York Times

I started by blogging and drawing cartoons.

The Guardian

I started by following interesting people.

The Guardian

"So I started by looking for the story of Moynat.

The New York Times

I started by jotting down the words "writer's block".

The New Yorker

Anyway, I started by playing with those words.

The New Yorker

I started by hitting several 8-irons reasonably well.

The New York Times

I started by looking at the death toll.

The New York Times - Science

"I started by texting her – it seemed easier," he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by sometimes using alternatives like "Initially, I..." or "To begin with, I..." to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "I start by" when describing a past action; instead, use "I started by" to maintain correct tense and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started by" functions as a narrative device to introduce the initial action or step in a sequence. Ludwig examples show its widespread use across diverse contexts to specify the commencement of an activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started by" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce the first step in a sequence of actions or events. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. As shown in the provided examples, it's frequently used in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. To enhance writing, consider alternatives like "Initially, I" or "To begin with, I" to avoid repetition. Remember to use "I started by" for past actions and "I start by" for habitual ones. With a neutral register, this phrase is suitable for a wide range of communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began by

A direct synonym, indicating the start of an action or process.

To begin with, I

This phrase is used to introduce the first action in a series.

My first step was

Focuses on the initial action in a sequence of steps.

Initially, I

Highlights the first action taken at the beginning of a process.

The first thing I did was

Emphasizes the priority and order of the initial action.

I commenced by

This is a more formal alternative, suggesting a deliberate and official start.

I initiated by

Implies formally beginning a project or process.

As a starting point, I

Indicates the foundation or basis upon which subsequent actions are built.

I opened with

Suggests a beginning, often used in contexts like speeches or performances.

I led with

Implies taking the initiative and setting an example or direction.

FAQs

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

You can use "I started by" to introduce the first step you took in a process or when narrating a sequence of events. For example, "I started by gathering all the necessary materials before beginning the project."

What's the difference between "I started by" and "I began by"?

Both phrases are very similar and often interchangeable. "I began by" is slightly more formal than "I started by", but the difference is minimal. Consider alternatives like "to begin with" or "initially" for additional variety.

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

You can use alternatives such as "initially", ""to begin with"", or "my first step was" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I start by" instead of "I started by"?

While "I started by" indicates a past action, "I start by" is used to describe a habitual action or a process you typically follow. For example, "Every morning, I start by drinking a glass of water."