had launched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had launched" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an action was completed before another action in the past. Example: "By the time the conference started, the company had launched its new product line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it was not Afghanistan that had launched the attack.

Harvard University

ISIS had launched its attack on Sinjar during the night.

The New Yorker

It had launched its covert attacks on the press.

The New Yorker

But by then it had launched an anti-AIDS campaign.

The Economist

They claimed he had launched "sectarian" attacks on Catholics.

The Economist

It succeeded The Tatler, which Steele had launched in 1709.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The original had launched in 1958, during another recession.

The New Yorker

Within months he had launched a dizzying programme of reform.

Independent

By 1960, we had launched our first working spy satellite.

The Washington Post

The IPCC confirmed it had launched an investigation.

The Guardian

"By March, he had launched overtures to China".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the beginning of a project or initiative, consider using "had launched" to convey a sense of initiation and forward momentum.

Common error

Avoid using "had launched" when you need a present perfect tense (has/have launched) or simple past tense (launched). Ensure the action truly precedes another past action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had launched" functions as a past perfect verb phrase, indicating an action completed before another point in the past. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where it describes actions that precede subsequent events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had launched" is a grammatically correct and very common past perfect verb phrase used to describe an action that was completed before another point in the past. According to Ludwig, it's widely used in contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using "had launched", ensure that the action truly precedes another past action to avoid incorrect tense usage. Consider alternatives like "had initiated" or "had started" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember, the goal is clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had initiated

Focuses on the beginning of something, often implying a formal or deliberate start.

had commenced

Emphasizes a formal start or beginning, suitable for official or ceremonial contexts.

had started

A more general term for beginning something, applicable in a wide range of contexts.

had begun

Similar to "had started" but can suggest a more gradual or natural beginning.

had established

Implies setting up or founding something, often with a lasting impact.

had created

Focuses on bringing something new into existence.

had introduced

Highlights the act of presenting something new to an audience or market.

had implemented

Emphasizes the execution or carrying out of a plan or system.

had instigated

Suggests initiating an action, often one that provokes a reaction or series of events.

had triggered

Implies setting off a chain of events or a reaction.

FAQs

How do I use "had launched" in a sentence?

Use "had launched" to describe an action that was completed before another action in the past. For example, "By the time the conference started, the company "had launched" its new product line."

What are some alternatives to "had launched"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "had initiated", "had started", or "had introduced".

Is it correct to say "launched" instead of "had launched"?

It depends on the context. If you are describing an action that happened before another action in the past, ""had launched"" (past perfect) is more appropriate. If you're simply stating an action in the past without reference to another past action, "launched" (simple past) is sufficient.

What's the difference between "had launched" and "has launched"?

"Had launched" is past perfect, indicating an action completed before another point in the past. "Has launched" is present perfect, indicating an action that started in the past and has relevance to the present.