Started working on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Started working on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of a task or project that someone has begun to engage with. Example: "I started working on the new marketing strategy last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We started working on one idea after another.

The Guardian

She started working on more teeth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fischetti, undeterred, started working on two tracks.

The New Yorker

She started working on her makeup again.

The New Yorker

Mr. Thompson started working on Monday.

The New York Times

So he started working on a memoir.

The New Yorker

I started working on it over four years ago.

The New York Times

Then I started working on Sunday afternoons.

The Guardian

"We started working on it immediately," the official said.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"You finish a film, start working on the next one".

The New Yorker

Select one of them and start working on it.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started working on", ensure the object of your work is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify whether it's a project, a task, or a specific aspect of something.

Common error

Ensure clarity by explicitly stating what you "started working on". Instead of saying "I started working on it", specify "I started working on the report" for better context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started working on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an activity or task. It is used to describe when someone began to engage in a particular effort. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is perfectly correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started working on" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to denote the beginning of an action or project. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's commonly found in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, Wiki, and Formal & Business communications. While alternatives like "began working on" or "commenced working on" exist, "started working on" maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. To enhance clarity, specify what you "started working on" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began working on

Replaces "started" with "began", a synonym with a slightly more formal tone.

commenced working on

Substitutes "started" with "commenced", offering a more formal and official nuance.

initiated work on

Replaces the verb phrase with "initiated work", emphasizing the beginning of effort.

took up working on

Suggests undertaking a task, implying a voluntary start.

set about working on

Indicates a determined and purposeful start to a task.

launched into working on

Implies an energetic and enthusiastic beginning of the work.

got down to working on

Implies a practical and focused beginning of work, often after delay.

embarked on working on

Suggests a significant undertaking or journey has begun.

devoted time to working on

Emphasizes the allocation of time and effort to a task.

pioneered work on

Suggests an innovative or groundbreaking beginning in a particular field.

FAQs

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

You can use "started working on" to describe the beginning of an activity or project. For example: "I "started working on" the presentation last week."

What are some alternatives to "started working on"?

Alternatives include "began working on", "commenced working on", or "initiated work on" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

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

Both are grammatically correct, but "start working on" implies a future or habitual action, while "started working on" refers to a past action. Example: "I will start working on the proposal tomorrow" versus "I "started working on" the proposal yesterday."

What's the difference between "started working on" and "began to work on"?

"Started working on" is a more direct and common way to express the commencement of an activity. "Began to work on" is also correct but can sometimes imply a process of gradually starting, whereas ""started working on"" indicates a more immediate initiation.