The game has started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "The game has started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to inform someone that a game or event has officially begun. Example: "Hurry up! The game has started, and we don't want to miss any action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The game has started as we expected, with Bayern having plenty of the ball. 2 min Schweingsteiger is booked for a deliberate handball.

The Guardian - Sport

The game has started!

Los Angeles Times

The game has started to slow down for him". The Bruins will have a short practice Saturday afternoon and fly to San Antonio on Sunday.

Los Angeles Times

The rules should not be changed after the game has started".

Independent

- It is proclaimed that the game has started to pass the 64-year old Saban by.

The Guardian - Sport

Romine has recently been telling his father that the game has started to slow down for him.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The game had started so promisingly, what had gone wrong?

The Guardian - Sport

The game had started with Neymar hitting the bar.

The Guardian - Sport

Then it sounded as though the game had started and the mood changed.

The Guardian - Sport

The game had started with such promise, as the Nets took an 11-point lead.

The New York Times - Sports

"They used to get one over on teams before the game had started.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To make your writing more lively, consider adding descriptive details immediately after stating "The game has started". Describe the opening play, the atmosphere, or the initial reactions of the players or audience.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect tenses, such as "The game is start" or "The game was started", when you mean to convey that the game has just begun. Ensure you use the correct past participle form of 'start'.

Linguistic Context

The game has started functions as a declarative statement announcing the commencement of an event. It's a concise way to inform an audience that the game is officially in progress. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "The game has started" is a grammatically correct and easily understood phrase used to announce the commencement of a game or event. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability. It maintains a neutral tone, making it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations. Alternatives like "the game is underway" or "the match has begun" can provide variety, but the original phrase remains a straightforward and effective choice. While the usage frequency is uncommon, its clarity and universality make it a reliable option in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The game is underway

Uses 'underway' instead of 'started', implying the game is in progress.

The match has begun

Substitutes 'match' for 'game' and 'begun' for 'started', offering a formal tone.

Play has commenced

Replaces 'game' with 'play' and 'started' with 'commenced', increasing formality.

The opening whistle has blown

Focuses on the auditory signal indicating the start of the game.

We're officially live

Emphasizes the live or real-time aspect of the game's commencement.

Let the games begin

A more emphatic and theatrical way of announcing the start.

The kickoff is complete

Specifically refers to the kickoff in games like football or soccer.

The action is kicking off

Uses the phrase 'kicking off' to signify the commencement of the game.

They're off

A concise and informal way of indicating the start of a race or game.

The starting gun has fired

Focuses on the auditory signal for a race or competition.

FAQs

What's the difference between "The game has started" and "The game is starting"?

"The game has started" indicates that the game is already in progress, while "The game is starting" suggests that the game is about to begin or is in the very initial stages.

How can I use "The game has started" in a sentence?

You can use it to announce the commencement of a game, like: "Hurry, "the game has started", and we're missing the kickoff!"

What can I say instead of "The game has started"?

You can use alternatives like "The game is underway", "The match has begun", or "Play has commenced", depending on the context and desired formality.

Is it correct to say "The game had started" instead of "The game has started"?

While grammatically correct, "The game had started" implies that you're talking about an event that occurred before another event in the past. "The game has started" is used to announce that the game is currently in progress.