had actually started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had actually started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action began at some point in the past, often in relation to another past event. Example: "By the time we arrived, the meeting had actually started without us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Wenger's team had actually started well.

The Guardian - Sport

They had actually started confidently, knocking the ball about well.

Independent

The sell-off had actually started the day before.

The New York Times

That was several months after it had actually started.

The Economist

Others asked whether Friedrich had pointed out sufficiently clearly that Germany had actually started the war.

The Guardian - Books

"People had actually started to breach the dykes before I went.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"We've actually started using it," Mr. Shane said.

The New York Times

I've actually started running, but not cutting.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet only one, Sabine Pass in Louisiana, has actually started retooling its kit.

The Economist

All of that, of course, before the Fed has actually started to taper.

The New York Times

It seems, uniquely, to have actually started thinking through an email strategy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had actually started" to emphasize that something began earlier than expected or previously thought. This can add a layer of surprise or correction to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "actually" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or insincere. Consider if the word truly adds value to the sentence or if it can be removed without changing the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had actually started" functions as a past perfect construction, emphasizing the completion of an action (starting) before another point in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it adds emphasis to the initiation of an event. Many Ludwig examples show usage in news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had actually started" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the commencement of an action or event in the past, often earlier than expected. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. It is particularly common in news and media contexts and serves to highlight or correct assumptions about when something began. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to avoid overuse of "actually" to maintain clear and concise writing. Consider alternatives like "had genuinely begun" or "had in fact initiated" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had genuinely begun

Emphasizes the authenticity of the start.

had really commenced

Highlights the reality of the beginning.

had in fact initiated

Formally underscores the act of starting.

had truly gotten underway

Suggests progress beyond the initial start.

had effectively launched

Implies a successful commencement.

had legitimately originated

Focuses on the legitimate start of something.

had empirically debuted

Emphasizes the verifiable start or introduction.

had plainly inaugurated

Highlights the obvious start, often in a ceremonial way.

had obviously triggered

Suggests the start was a cause of something else.

had notably dawned

Focuses on the notable appearance or beginning.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "had actually started" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "had genuinely begun", "had really commenced", or "had in fact initiated".

Is there a subtle difference between "had started" and "had actually started"?

Yes, adding "actually" emphasizes that the event began, possibly earlier than believed or expected. Without "actually", the sentence simply states that the event had begun.

When is it appropriate to use "had actually started" in writing?

Use "had actually started" when you want to highlight the fact that an action or event commenced, especially in contrast to a previous assumption or expectation. For example: "We thought the project would start next week, but it "had actually started" yesterday".

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "had actually started"?

Avoid redundancy by ensuring "actually" adds meaningful emphasis. Overusing adverbs like "actually" can weaken your writing. Also, ensure correct tense usage; "had started" indicates a past perfect tense, referring to an action completed before another point in the past.