I started working on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started working on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the beginning of a task, project, or activity that you have engaged in. Example: "I started working on the new marketing strategy last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I started working on it over four years ago.

The New York Times

Then I started working on Sunday afternoons.

The Guardian

I started working on this in late July, early August.

The New Yorker

I started working on the book that day".

The New York Times - Books

Beauty and I started working on our menu.

The New York Times

The next day, I started working on building my loan brokerage.

The New York Times

I had never met Lieberman before I started working on this piece, in September.

The New Yorker

I started working on the book a few years after we began the screenplay.

The New Yorker

I was there for almost a year before I started working on my first film.

The New York Times

When I graduated, I started working on a project inspired by those photographs.

The Guardian - Arts

Almost immediately, I started working on multi-portrait drawings from those photographs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started working on", ensure the context clearly indicates what you began working on. Be specific about the task, project, or area of focus to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I started working on" without specifying what you began working on. Instead of saying "I started working on it", be specific: "I started working on the marketing proposal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started working on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an activity or project. It sets a temporal reference point for the commencement of an action. Ludwig provides numerous examples across varied contexts illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started working on" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for indicating the beginning of a task or project. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, particularly in news, scientific, and business contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide specific details about the task to avoid vagueness. While alternatives like "I began work on" exist, "I started working on" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various situations. As exemplified by the numerous examples on Ludwig, ensure clarity and context when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began work on

Replaces "started working" with a more formal "began work".

I commenced work on

Substitutes "started" with "commenced", offering a more formal tone.

I initiated work on

Uses "initiated" instead of "started", emphasizing the beginning or launch of the work.

I took up work on

Replaces "started working" with "took up work", suggesting the assumption of a task.

I embarked on

Implies a more significant or adventurous undertaking than simply "starting".

I got down to working on

Indicates a shift to actively working on something, implying a prior delay or preparation.

I set about working on

Emphasizes the intentionality and focused effort involved in beginning the work.

I started development of

Focuses on the "development" aspect of the work.

I launched into working on

Suggests a quick and energetic start to the work.

Work on commenced

Shifts the focus to the work itself and its commencement, rather than the individual starting it.

FAQs

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

Use "I started working on" to indicate the beginning of your involvement in a task or project. For example, "I started working on the report last week" or "I started working on learning a new language".

What are some alternatives to "I started working on"?

You can use alternatives like "I began work on", "I commenced work on", or "I initiated work on" depending on the level of formality you need.

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

Both are grammatically correct, but "I started working on" is generally more common and natural-sounding in contemporary English. "I started to work on" can sometimes imply a more deliberate or planned beginning.

When is it appropriate to use "I started working on" vs. "I have been working on"?

"I started working on" indicates the point in time when you began a task, whereas "I have been working on" implies that you began in the past and are still continuing the work. For example, "I started working on this project last month," versus "I have been working on this project for the last month".