already started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an action or process has commenced prior to the current moment or context. Example: "The project has already started, so we need to catch up on the initial phases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've already started.

Independent

The concert had already started.

The New Yorker

The gamesmanship has already started.

The New York Times

It has probably already started.

The New York Times

The process has already started.

The Economist

Had they already started?

The Guardian

"It's already started".

The New York Times - Tech

"Already started!" she winks.

The Guardian - Music

Rehab already started.

The Guardian - Sport

Libya has already started.

The Guardian

Many have already started.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "already started" to clearly indicate that an action or process has commenced prior to the current moment, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "already started" when referring to something that will begin in the future; use phrases like "will start soon" or "is scheduled to begin".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already started" functions as a verb phrase indicating the completion of the initial phase of an action or process. This is seen in examples where it describes events that have commenced prior to the point of reference. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "already started" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate that an action or process has commenced before the present moment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and correct to use. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, as demonstrated by the numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC. When using "already started", ensure it aligns with the intended tense and context, avoiding future references. Alternatives such as "has begun" or "is underway" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "already started" into your writing to convey immediacy and progression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has begun

A more formal and concise way of saying something is in its initial stages.

is underway

Implies that an activity is currently in progress and may be at any stage.

has commenced

A formal alternative to indicate the beginning of an event or process.

is in progress

Similar to 'is underway', but emphasizes the ongoing nature of the activity.

kicked off

An informal way to say something has started, often used for events or projects.

got going

Suggests that something has gained momentum and is now actively in motion.

is up and running

Indicates that something is not only started but also functioning properly.

set in motion

Highlights the act of initiating or causing something to start.

taken off

Implies a successful start and rapid progress.

underway already

Emphasizes that something is currently in progress and has already commenced.

FAQs

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

You can use "already started" to indicate that an action or process has commenced before the current time. For example, "The meeting has "already started", so you'll need to catch up quickly."

What are some alternatives to "already started"?

You can use alternatives like "has begun", "is underway", or "has commenced" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "already started"?

Yes, "already started" is grammatically correct when used to indicate that something has begun before the present moment. Ludwig AI confirms this based on its analysis of numerous sources.

What's the difference between "already started" and "just started"?

"Already started" implies that something began some time ago, whereas "just started" indicates it began very recently. For example, "The movie has "already started" when we arrived, so we missed the beginning" versus "The movie "just started", so we didn't miss anything."