got started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got started" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the beginning of an action or process. Example: "After weeks of planning, we finally got started on the project last Monday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They just got started Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

Once he got started, he kept going.

The New York Times

But he had not got started then.

The New Yorker

And once I got started, it was!

The New Yorker

"That's how it got started".

The New York Times - Tech

Eventually, the recital got started.

The New York Times - Arts

(Facebook never really got started).

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's how this whole case got started".

The New York Times

That's how we got started at Sugarbush.

The New York Times - Travel

"And that's where the piece got started.

The New York Times - Arts

"That's when this run really got started.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got started" to describe the initiation of a process, project, or activity. It's versatile and suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid mixing tenses when describing the starting point. For example, don't say "They had got started yesterday", instead, use "They got started yesterday" or "They had started the day before today".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got started" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement or beginning of an action, event, or process. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing its use in numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got started" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate the commencement of an action or process, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, ranging from casual conversations to news reports. While alternatives like "began" or "commenced" exist, "got started" often provides a more approachable tone. It's important to maintain consistent tenses when using the phrase, and as the data shows, it frequently appears in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began

A more formal and direct synonym for "got started", indicating the commencement of an action.

commenced

A highly formal synonym for "got started", often used in official or ceremonial contexts.

initiated

Implies a more deliberate and planned beginning than "got started".

kicked off

A more informal and energetic way of saying "got started", often used for events or projects.

got underway

Suggests that something has started and is now in progress.

took off

Implies a rapid or successful start.

set in motion

Focuses on the act of starting something that will then continue on its own.

started up

Emphasizes the initial phase or activation of something, like a machine or a business.

sprang up

Suggests a sudden or unexpected beginning.

dawned

Refers to the beginning of an era, idea, or realization.

FAQs

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

You can use "got started" to describe the beginning of an action or process. For example, "We "got started" on the project last week".

What are some alternatives to "got started"?

Some alternatives include "began", "commenced", or "initiated", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "gotten started"?

While "gotten" is a valid past participle of "get" in American English, "got started" is more commonly used and widely accepted in both American and British English.

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

"Got started" implies a more informal or conversational tone, while "started" is more direct and neutral. Both are generally interchangeable, but "got started" might suggest a more casual beginning.