I was started

USAGE SUMMARY

'I was started' is not a correct and usable sentence in written English.
'Start' is typically used as a verb, so a more correct way to phrase this would be 'I was starting'. Example: I was starting to feel frustrated when my phone suddenly died.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I was started on antidepressants and had a course of counselling.

The Guardian

The gay person I thought I was started to feel like another character, and it was eating away at my soul.

The New Yorker

When I was started my new role my boss assured me he was perfectly comfortable with my tattoo and was happy for me to wear the same clothes as anyone else in the office, provided I cover it up in client-facing areas, which I felt was completely fair.

The Guardian

In late 1982, production of 30 MWe (Unit I) was started in KGF.

Earth, Planets and Space

Once inside the cab, I was started to find that even at 6'2″, I could easily stand with clearance left to spare above.

TechCrunch

It was then that my coworkers, knowing where I was, started blowing up my phone, email, text, and Yammer, all in the hopes of getting some official response from YouTube.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I was starting to believe!

Independent

I was starting to reach him.

The New Yorker

I was starting to do characters.

The New York Times - Arts

I was starting to get cold.

The New Yorker

Also, I was starting to hate coffee.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reframe passive constructions like "I was started" to active or progressive forms (e.g. "I began to..." or "I was beginning to...") to enhance grammatical accuracy and readability.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "I was started" as it's grammatically unconventional. Instead, opt for active or progressive constructions like "I began" or "I was starting" to clearly convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was started" functions as a passive construction where the subject 'I' receives the action of being started. However, Ludwig AI flags this as grammatically incorrect, suggesting a preference for active or progressive forms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I was started" appears in various sources, including news and scientific contexts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI suggests opting for active or progressive constructions like "I began" or "I was starting" to enhance clarity and correctness. Given its uncommon usage and grammatical concerns, it's advisable to use alternative phrasings to ensure effective communication. When aiming to convey the beginning of an action, prioritize grammatical precision and clarity to avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was beginning

Corrects the grammatical structure to indicate a continuous action in the past.

I got started

Uses a more colloquial and grammatically sound way to express the beginning of an action.

I began

Replaces the passive construction with a simple, active verb to indicate the start of something.

I was getting started

Indicates the process of starting something, emphasizing the gradual nature.

I initiated

Emphasizes the action of starting or setting something in motion.

I commenced

A more formal way of saying 'I started'.

I set about

Implies a deliberate and purposeful beginning.

I undertook

Suggests starting something significant or challenging.

I took up

Implies beginning a new hobby, study or challenge.

My start involved

Focuses on the initial actions or events at the beginning.

FAQs

What are some grammatically correct ways to say "I was started"?

Instead of "I was started", you can use phrases like "I began", "I started", or "I was beginning" depending on the context.

Is "I was started" grammatically correct?

No, "I was started" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. A more appropriate phrasing would be "I began" or "<a href="/s/I+started".

How can I rephrase "I was started" to sound more natural?

To sound more natural, replace "I was started" with phrases like "I got started", "I initiated", or "I commenced".

When is it appropriate to use a passive construction instead of "I was started"?

While "I was started" is not recommended, passive constructions are suitable when the subject receiving the action is more important than the actor. However, in the case of starting something, it's often better to use an active voice. For example, using "it was initiated" instead of "I initiated".