I started the ball rolling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started the ball rolling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you initiated a process or activity, often in a collaborative or group context. Example: "To kick off the project, I started the ball rolling by organizing the first team meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Ultimately, I started the ball rolling," he says.

The Guardian - Sport

I started the ball rolling when this column went up on the Web on Friday afternoon.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The map connected all these like-minded people and created a strong community," says Lim. "It started the ball rolling.

The Guardian

Last month, it started the ball rolling by closing down three games in the market.

TechCrunch

"I've already started the ball rolling.

Los Angeles Times

I'm sure I could have played in a few more tournaments and earned hundreds more dollars, but instead I moved to New York and started the ball rolling on the singer/songwriter thing.

Huffington Post

I was a physicist and I studied climate change as part of my degree, which started the ball rolling.

The Guardian

"I went to Dawson, trusting him, and this started the ball rolling," Mr. Geist told me.

The New York Times

SHANGHAI — Pavarotti started the ball rolling.

The New York Times - Arts

"That started the ball rolling," she said.

The New York Times - Science

That started the ball rolling.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started the ball rolling" when you want to emphasize your role in initiating an action or project, especially when collaboration or momentum is important.

Common error

While effective, avoid using "I started the ball rolling" too frequently in your writing. Over-reliance on idioms can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Opt for more direct and varied language when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started the ball rolling" functions as an idiom indicating the initiation of a process or activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and signifies taking the first step to set something in motion. Examples show its use in various contexts, emphasizing the act of beginning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started the ball rolling" is a grammatically correct idiom used to express that the speaker initiated a process or activity. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While the phrase is more common in news and media, it can appear in academic contexts as well. Although generally appropriate for diverse settings, it is better to use alternatives in more formal environments. Remember to consider the audience and the context when deciding whether to use this phrase, aiming for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I got the ball rolling

This is a slight variation of the original phrase, simply omitting "started".

I initiated the process

This alternative uses more formal language to convey the same meaning of beginning a process.

I got things underway

This is a more general way of saying that something has begun.

I set the wheels in motion

This alternative emphasizes the beginning of a series of actions or events.

I kicked things off

This phrase is more informal and suggests a more energetic start to an activity.

I began the procedure

This is fitting when referring to a specific set of steps or a formal process.

I launched the initiative

This alternative is suitable when referring to a formal project or plan.

I instigated the action

This alternative implies a more proactive or forceful start.

I pioneered the effort

This suggests that the speaker was the first to begin a particular activity.

I commenced the operation

This option is more formal and often used in business or military contexts.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I started the ball rolling"?

Saying "I started the ball rolling" means that you initiated an action, project, or discussion, setting it in motion for others to continue.

What can I say instead of "I started the ball rolling"?

You can use alternatives like "I initiated the process", "I kicked things off", or "I set the wheels in motion" depending on the context.

Is "I started the ball rolling" formal or informal?

"I started the ball rolling" is generally considered to be an informal idiom, suitable for everyday conversation and less formal writing. For a more professional context, consider using alternatives like "I initiated the process".

How can I use "I started the ball rolling" in a sentence?

You can use "I started the ball rolling" by indicating that you were the one to begin a task or activity. For example, "I started the ball rolling by sending out the initial emails to the team."