had previously started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had previously started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action began at some point in the past before another past action or event. Example: "She realized that she had previously started the project without gathering all the necessary materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Balihoo was founded by Peter Gombert, an entrepreneur who had previously started and sold three software companies.

The New York Times

I had previously started two other games in the Zelda series but found both so lackluster that I stopped playing within a couple of hours.

The New York Times - Tech

The Peugeot of Gene, Wurz and Davidson had previously started a phenomenal comeback after being forced to pit for 12 minutes with electrical problems, dropping from first to seventh place.

The Guardian - Sport

With the Scarlets defeating La Rochelle on Friday, after a team without a player who had previously started a European Cup quarter-final overcame first‑night nerves, and Leinster beating the holders, Saracens, in the last of the four matches on Sunday, the Guinness Pro14 provides three of the semi‑finalists.

The Guardian - Sport

Rosenschein had previously started a company that pioneered translation software for word processors and Web browsers.

Forbes

Rakar had previously started the prominent collaborative political blog Pollitika, for which he received the eDemocracy award in 2009.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

I cannot recall having previously started a blogpost by reporting a speech to the Irish parliament.

The Guardian

It is being investigated as a possible arson because suspicious fires have previously started in the same area, he said.

The New York Times

Having previously started every one of the Colts' games since being drafted in 1998, he would go on to miss the entire 2011 season.

The Guardian - Sport

Only two women have previously started a grand prix, the Italians Maria Teresa de Filipis and Lella Lombardi, the latter back in 1976.

The Guardian - Sport

Just five women have previously started a Formula 1 race.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had previously started", ensure the sentence clearly establishes the sequence of events, making it clear which action occurred before the other. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "had previously started" without clearly indicating what the subsequent event or action is. Without a clear reference point, the phrase loses its effectiveness and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had previously started" functions as a past perfect construction, indicating that an action or event occurred and was completed before another point in the past. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had previously started" is a grammatically sound and functional phrase used to indicate that an action began and completed before another action in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, this past perfect construction is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific writing, serving to establish a clear sequence of events. While not exceedingly common, it is a valuable tool for clarifying timelines and providing context. When using this phrase, ensure the sentence clearly defines the two actions being sequenced to prevent confusion and maintain effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had begun earlier

Focuses on the commencement of an action at an earlier time.

had initiated before

Highlights the act of initiating something prior to another event.

had commenced beforehand

Emphasizes the formal start of something in advance.

had undertaken previously

Indicates a task or project was taken on at an earlier time.

had established earlier

Focuses on the creation or setting up of something before a specific time.

had set in motion prior

Highlights the act of setting something into action before a certain point.

had activated before

Emphasizes the act of making something active before another event.

had triggered earlier

Indicates the causing of an event or process before a specific time.

had launched earlier

Focuses on the start or introduction of something before a certain point.

had pioneered previously

Highlights the initial development or introduction of something before.

FAQs

How to use "had previously started" in a sentence?

Use "had previously started" to indicate an action that began before another action in the past. For example, "She realized that she "had previously started" the project without gathering all the necessary materials."

What can I say instead of "had previously started"?

You can use alternatives like "had begun earlier", "had initiated before", or "had commenced beforehand" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "had previously started" or "has previously started"?

"Had previously started" is used for past perfect tense, indicating an action completed before another past action. "Has previously started" is present perfect, used for actions that started in the past and continue to the present or have relevance to the present.

What's the difference between "had previously started" and "started previously"?

"Had previously started" emphasizes the completion of the action before another past action, while "started previously" simply indicates that the action began at an earlier time. The former is more specific about the sequence of events.