he started

USAGE SUMMARY

"he started" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used as the beginning of a sentence to describe an action that someone initiated. Here are a few examples: 1. He started to run when he heard the loud noise. 2. He started his day off with a cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast. 3. He started to feel anxious as the deadline approached. 4. He started to realize that he had made a mistake. 5. He started to read the book, but couldn't get into it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Immediately, he started chemotherapy.

The New Yorker

He started coughing.

The New Yorker

He started to laugh.

The New York Times - Magazine

He started to dress.

The New York Times - Sports

Then he started walking.

The New Yorker

He started laughing.

The New York Times

Then he started screaming.

Independent

He started out well.

The New York Times - Arts

He started begging.

The New Yorker

He started crying.

The New Yorker

He started with Republicans.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he started", ensure the subsequent verb accurately reflects the type of action being initiated. For example, "he started running" is appropriate for physical activity, while "he started to understand" is suitable for cognitive processes.

Common error

Avoid mismatching the tense of "started" with the subsequent action. For instance, don't say "he started will run"; instead, use "he started running" or "he started to run".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he started" primarily functions as a verb phrase initiating an action or process. Ludwig, based on the provided examples, confirms that it is a common way to introduce an activity or state that an individual has begun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he started" is a grammatically correct and highly frequent phrase used to indicate the beginning of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonymous alternatives like "he began" or "he commenced" exist, "he started" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure correct tense agreement and consider the specific action being initiated for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he began

A direct synonym with nearly identical meaning.

he commenced

Uses a more formal synonym for 'started'.

he initiated

Implies a more deliberate or planned beginning.

he undertook

Suggests starting something significant or challenging.

he launched

Often used when referring to projects, campaigns or initiatives.

he set about

Emphasizes the process of starting a task or activity.

he got going

An informal way to describe starting something.

he kicked off

Suggests an energetic or enthusiastic start.

he got underway

Implies a formal start to a journey or project.

he entered into

Suggests starting a formal agreement or activity.

FAQs

What verbs commonly follow "he started"?

Common verbs following "he started" include gerunds (e.g., running, speaking) and infinitives (e.g., to run, to speak), depending on the intended nuance. For example, "he started running" emphasizes the action itself, while "he started to run" focuses on the initiation of the action.

What can I say instead of "he started"?

You can use alternatives like "he began", "he commenced", or "he initiated", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "he started to started"?

No, "he started to started" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing would be something like, "he was about to start" or "he was starting".

How does the formality of synonyms for "he started" differ?

Synonyms like "he commenced" and "he initiated" are generally more formal, while "he began" is a direct synonym and considered neutral. "He got going" is very informal.