I started mailing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started mailing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of sending letters, packages, or emails, typically indicating the beginning of that action. Example: "I started mailing the invitations last week to ensure everyone receives them on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But Epic has prided itself on providing software directly to customers ever since I started mailing floppy disks in 1991.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

SunTrust said it started mailing proxy statements to about 120,000 Wachovia shareholders, urging them to vote against the First Union deal.

The New York Times

I followed her advice and started mailing pictures of myself to modeling agencies.

Huffington Post

Adding to the urgency: voters in Florida have already started mailing in absentee ballots.

The New York Times

On Friday, as Business Week started mailing out the issue, Y.&R.

The New York Times

In July, the Department of Taxation and Finance started mailing information to homeowners on applying for the 2007 Middle Class School Tax Relief rebate.

The New York Times

We started mailing our press kits and throwing in a bonus.

Forbes

The government will start mailing rebate checks on July 23.

The New York Times

The company said it would start mailing the proxies to shareholders on or about July 29.

The New York Times

Highway officials will start mailing notices about the new policy to E-ZPass customers this week.

The New York Times

We've reached the time of year that colleges start mailing out their decision letters.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust the verb accordingly. 'Began', 'commenced', or 'initiated' might be more appropriate for formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I started mailing" when you only sent one item. The phrase implies a series of mailings rather than a single instance. Use "I mailed" instead for single items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started mailing" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action, specifically the sending of items through the postal system. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started mailing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe the initiation of sending items through postal mail. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase in English. While versatile, specifying what was mailed (e.g., letters, packages) enhances clarity. Although it appears primarily in neutral contexts like news media, consider adapting the verb (e.g., began, commenced) for more formal settings. Remember that this phrase implies the beginning of a series of mailings, not just a single act.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began mailing

Replaces "started" with "began", offering a slightly more formal tone but retaining the same core meaning.

I commenced mailing

Uses "commenced" instead of "started", providing a more formal and official tone.

I initiated mailing

Substitutes "started" with "initiated", indicating a more deliberate or formal beginning.

I've started sending out

Emphasizes the sending aspect using the phrasal verb "sending out", slightly shifting the focus.

I have begun to mail

Uses a different verb construction, "have begun to mail", which is grammatically similar but stylistically distinct.

I launched the mailing process

Replaces "started mailing" with a more process-oriented phrase using "launched", indicating a larger campaign or operation.

I initiated the mailout

Uses the noun "mailout" to describe the action, providing a slightly different perspective.

I set about mailing

Employs "set about" to convey the beginning of the mailing activity, which is more informal.

I got the mailing underway

Uses a more idiomatic expression, "got underway", to suggest that the mailing process has begun.

I triggered the dispatch of

Replaces "started mailing" with a more formal expression, "triggered the dispatch", suitable for official contexts.

FAQs

What's the difference between "I started mailing" and "I mailed"?

"I mailed" implies a single act of sending something through the postal service. "I started mailing" indicates the beginning of a series or a campaign of mailings.

What can I say instead of "I started mailing" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "I commenced mailing" or "I initiated mailing". These options convey a sense of formality suitable for professional contexts.

How can I make "I started mailing" more specific?

To be more specific, clarify what you started mailing, for example, "I started mailing invoices" or "I started mailing promotional materials".

Is "I started emailing" the same as "I started mailing"?

While both phrases indicate the start of sending communications, "I started emailing" refers specifically to sending electronic messages, whereas "I started mailing" typically refers to sending physical items through the postal service.