I started working

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "I started working" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a time when you began to work, for example, "I started working at the ABC Company two weeks ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I started working harder.

The New York Times - Sports

I started working at Microsoft in 1996.

The New York Times

I started working, mowing lawns".

The New York Times

So I started working out.

The New York Times - Sports

I started working with Wu.

The New York Times - Arts

I started working on it over four years ago.

The New York Times

"I started working with a nutritionist this year.

The New Yorker

"I started working 15-hour days.

The Guardian - Music

Then I started working on Sunday afternoons.

The Guardian

I started working as an actor.

The Guardian

So I started working with Frode".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started working" to indicate the beginning of employment, a task, or a period of work.

Common error

Avoid using redundant phrases such as "I started to begin working". Instead, stick to the simpler and more direct "I started working."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I started working" is to indicate the commencement of an action, specifically employment or labor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show it in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started working" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to indicate the commencement of employment or labor. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its usage spans various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Scientific domains. While alternatives exist, "I started working" remains a straightforward and widely accepted way to express the beginning of one's work activities. It's important to provide context to ensure clarity and to avoid redundant phrasing. With a high expert rating and frequent occurrence, this phrase is a reliable choice for expressing the initiation of work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started my job

A slightly more specific alternative, implying a defined role.

I became employed

States the condition of being hired.

I began employment

Formal alternative emphasizing the beginning of a job.

My work life began

Focuses on the start of one's working life.

I commenced work

A more formal and less common way to say "I started working".

I took up a job

Implies accepting a position or role.

I initiated my career

Focuses on the start of a longer-term professional path.

I got down to work

Emphasizes the act of beginning a specific task or project.

I launched my work

Suggests starting a project or venture with energy and enthusiasm.

I entered the workforce

Highlights entering the general employment market.

FAQs

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

Use "I started working" to indicate the beginning of employment or a specific task. For example, "I started working at the company last year" or "I started working on the report yesterday".

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

You can use alternatives like "I began employment", "I commenced work", or "I became employed" depending on the context.

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

While both phrases are similar, "I started working" is more common and slightly less formal than "I began working". The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

Is it correct to say "I have started working" instead of "I started working"?

Yes, "I have started working" is grammatically correct and uses the present perfect tense. It implies that you began working at some point in the past and may still be working. "I started working" is in the simple past and indicates a completed action.