first started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first started" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that previously has been initiated. For example: "I first started playing the piano when I was 8 years old."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was when I first started out.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I first started the Internet radio station.

The New York Times

The bidding first started in April 2010.

The New York Times

That's when Everman first started playing guitar.

The New York Times - Magazine

I remember when I first started there.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's when I first started visiting them.

The New York Times - Magazine

He first started training racehorses in 1970.

The Guardian - Sport

"When we first started, I said, 'Roo!

The New York Times

I was 22 when it first started.

The Guardian - Music

That's when I first started to cry".

The New Yorker

But that was when he first started.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence of events, consider using transition words like "initially", "subsequently", and "finally" alongside "first started" to provide a clearer timeline for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using redundant time references with "first started". For instance, instead of saying "First started in the year 2000", simply state "It first started in 2000" or "It started in 2000".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first started" functions primarily as a temporal marker indicating the commencement of an activity, process, or state. It provides a specific point of origin or initiation, as Ludwig's examples illustrate, for example in news or personal experience contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first started" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for marking the beginning of an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid redundancy and consider context-appropriate alternatives for clarity and stylistic variation. Remember to use "first started" to set the stage when discussing the development or history of something, ensuring your readers understand the initial point of origin. The Ludwig examples underscore its prevalence in conveying personal experiences, historical events, and business developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially began

Replaces "first started" with synonyms that emphasize the beginning or commencement of an action or state.

originally commenced

Uses more formal synonyms for "started", implying a structured or official beginning.

was initiated

A more formal alternative, emphasizing the action of starting or setting something in motion.

at the beginning

Focuses on the starting point rather than the action of starting itself.

in the early stages

Highlights the initial phase of a process or activity, rather than the initiation itself.

pioneered

Suggests being the first to initiate or develop something, adding a sense of innovation.

inaugurated

Implies a formal or ceremonial beginning, often used for projects or institutions.

came into existence

Focuses on the moment something began to exist or operate.

was established

Indicates the founding or creation of something, like an organization or system.

emerged

Suggests a gradual beginning or rise, rather than a specific starting point.

FAQs

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

You can use "first started" to describe the beginning of an action or activity, such as "I "first started playing guitar" when I was 12" or "The company "first started as a startup" in 2010".

What are some alternatives to "first started"?

Alternatives include "initially began", "originally commenced", or "was initiated". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it redundant to say "first began" instead of "first started"?

While "first began" is grammatically correct, it can sound slightly redundant. "First started" is generally more concise and commonly used. Consider alternatives like "initially began" for variety.

What's the difference between "first started" and "started"?

"Started" simply indicates that something began at some point. "First started" emphasizes that it was the very beginning of something, often in contrast to later stages or developments.