construction was started

USAGE SUMMARY

"construction was started" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the beginning of a construction project. For example, "The construction of the new high school was started in June."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

A bit of history: Tishman Realty and Construction was started in 1898 by my great-grandfather.

The New York Times

Construction was started in 1890, stopped during the Mexican Revolution and finished in the 1940s.

The New York Times

In 121 bce a 20-year project of construction was started on the Hexi Wall (generally known as the Side Wall) between Yongdeng (now in Gansu) in the east and Lake Lop Nur (now in Xinjiang) in the west.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Commerce Department reported that construction was started at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.95 million units in March, the third consecutive month that the building pace has been above 1.9 million units.

The New York Times

Construction was started on the basilica in 1390 but San Petronio was never fully completed: in the 16th century an architect planned for it to dwarf St Peter's in Rome and Pope Pius IV stopped the project in its tracks.

The Telegraph

Design for the ELTL had been done from March 2009 to December 2009 in large part, and then the construction was started on November 2009 in the O-arai site of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency and completed on the middle of November 2010 after passing an authority inspection by a fire department in O-arai town.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

When he met with Otsuka, as construction was starting, the governor said bluntly that he thought the Mashco Piro should be contacted, and by force.

The New Yorker

Below his Ho Chi Minh City office window, construction was starting on the southern financial hub's first subway line.

Forbes

The cyclotron construction is started this year within the framework of the Archade project (Caen, France).

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Construction is started on Connecticut Hall, now the oldest building in New Haven and a National Historic Landmark.

Yale University

After setting out, bund construction is started with excavation of a small trench inside the bund.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using active voice alternatives like "construction began" for a more direct and concise statement. This can improve readability in certain contexts.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice. While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on "construction was started" can make writing seem indirect. Instead, opt for the active voice when appropriate: "The company started construction."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "construction was started" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the process of building or creating something has begun. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show it in diverse contexts like news reports, scientific papers, and general information articles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

30%

Wiki

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "construction was started" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate the commencement of a construction project. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and applicable across various writing styles, although active voice alternatives can offer greater concision. The phrase sees usage in news media, scientific publications, and wikis. Remember to provide specific context to what project "construction was started" to and, when appropriate, consider using active voice for clearer communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

construction began

Uses a more concise and direct verb to indicate the start of construction.

construction commenced

Employs a more formal verb, 'commenced', to convey the initiation of construction.

work on the building began

Specifies the type of construction and uses a simple verb to indicate commencement.

the project broke ground

Uses idiomatic expression referring to the start of building's construction.

groundbreaking occurred

Refers to the formal ceremony marking the start of construction.

the building's erection was initiated

Uses more formal language to describe the start of the building's construction.

the foundation was laid

Highlights the establishment of the base for construction.

building operations were initiated

Uses more formal and technical language to describe the start of construction activities.

the first stone was laid

Uses idiomatic expression referring to the start of building's construction.

they started building

Uses a more active voice and simplifies the description of the action.

FAQs

What does "construction was started" mean?

The phrase "construction was started" means that the process of building or creating something, such as a building, road, or infrastructure, has begun. It indicates the commencement of physical work on a project.

What are some alternatives to "construction was started"?

You can use alternatives like "construction began", "construction commenced", or "the project broke ground" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing when construction began?

While "construction was started" (passive) is grammatically correct, using the active voice, such as "they started construction" or "construction began", is often more direct and concise.

How can I make the phrase "construction was started" more specific?

To be more specific, include details about the project. For example, instead of saying "construction was started", say "construction of the new bridge "began in" June" or "groundbreaking "occurred on" the new hospital last week."