are started by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are started by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the initiation of an action or process by a specific subject or agent. Example: "The projects are started by the team leader to ensure proper coordination and execution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Heath fires are started by people".

Independent

Most businesses were and still are started by family members".

The New York Times

But many Socrates Cafés are started by those who use "Socrates Café" book as a guide.

The New York Times

"Foundations are started by major benefactors - by the Rockefellers and the Guggenheims, not by playwrights.

The Guardian

Not all biotechnology companies are started by scientists eager to advance medicine or make money.

The New York Times

"Most companies are started by recent graduates where everyone's on a steep learning curve," Mr. Erickson said.

The New York Times

It's a bit like the urban riots in the United States, many of which are started by the colored.

The New York Times

These ideas are started by one generation with the hope a future generation will take up these challenges.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fires are started by Indonesian and international companies to burn rainforest and replace it with oil palm plantations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although some fires are started by natural causes (mainly lightning), many are caused by human carelessness, as, for example, the great Tillamook Burn in Oregon in 1933.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On MedHelp, one of the largest Internet forums for health information, more than 30,000 new personal tracking projects are started by users every month.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are started by" to clearly indicate the agent or cause responsible for initiating an action, event, or process. This construction is especially useful in passive voice sentences where the focus is on the result rather than the actor.

Common error

Avoid using "are started by" when active voice would be more direct and concise. For example, instead of "The fire was started by arsonists," use "Arsonists started the fire."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are started by" functions as a passive voice construction. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of an action, with the agent performing the action introduced by "by". Ludwig confirms its proper usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are started by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive voice construction employed to indicate the agent responsible for initiating an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase, highlighting its prevalence across various contexts such as news, science, and general knowledge. While acceptable in most settings, more formal alternatives like "are initiated by" might be preferred in certain contexts. When using "are started by", ensure clarity in attributing causality and consider whether active voice might offer a more direct and concise expression. With its common usage and clear meaning, "are started by" remains a valuable tool for English writers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are initiated by

Replaces "started" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the beginning of a process.

are commenced by

Similar to 'initiated,' 'commenced' provides a slightly more formal tone.

are caused by

Directly indicates causation, highlighting the reason something begins.

are triggered by

Focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship, suggesting a reaction to a stimulus.

are brought about by

Emphasizes the process by which something is made to happen.

are launched by

Implies a deliberate and planned beginning, often used for projects or initiatives.

are set in motion by

Highlights the start of a series of events or actions.

originate from

Shifts the focus to the source or origin of something.

stem from

Similar to 'originate,' but often implies a gradual development from a source.

arise from

Suggests that something emerges or comes into existence from a particular cause or condition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are started by" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "are initiated by", "are caused by", or "originate from" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "are started by" formal or informal?

The phrase "are started by" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "are initiated by" for a more elevated tone.

Can I use "are started by" in active voice?

No, "are started by" is a passive voice construction. To use active voice, restructure the sentence to place the actor before the verb, for example: "Entrepreneurs start most new firms" instead of "Most new firms "are started by" entrepreneurs".

What is the difference between "are started by" and "begin with"?

"Are started by" emphasizes the agent or cause that initiates something, while "begin with" focuses on the initial step or component of a process. For example, "The project "are started by" the team leader" highlights the leader's role, whereas "The project begins with a planning meeting" emphasizes the first step.