he started by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he started by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the initial action or step taken by someone in a process or sequence of events. Example: "He started by outlining the main objectives of the project before diving into the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He started by cleaning house.

The New York Times

"He started by wanting reform.

The Guardian

He started by weighing sugar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He started by challenging me.

The New York Times - Magazine

He started by importing shoes.

The Guardian

He started by wanting to change transportation.

The Guardian

He started by renaming it Steeling Beauty.

The New York Times

He started by firing the company's president.

The New York Times

He started by describing the Rangers' skills on the field.

The New York Times - Sports

He started by searching high and low in Guiyang.

The Economist

He started by exploring genetic variations within the virus itself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally using alternative phrases like "he began with" or "initially, he" to avoid repetition and enhance readability.

Common error

Avoid using "he started by" when the described action wasn't actually the first in a sequence. Ensure that it accurately reflects the initial step, or use a more general phrase like "he also" or "subsequently" if the order is unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he started by" serves as a sequential marker, indicating the commencement of an action or process. As Ludwig AI suggests, it introduces the initial step taken by someone in a series of actions. Examples in Ludwig highlight its role in narrating events in chronological order.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he started by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction that indicates the beginning of an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. With a neutral register, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, especially news and media, as demonstrated by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While alternatives like "he began with" and "initially, he" exist, "he started by" remains a straightforward and effective way to introduce the initial step in a sequence of events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he began with

Direct synonym, indicating the point where something begins.

to begin, he

Emphasizes the act of initiating before stating the specific action.

initially, he

Highlights the starting point in a sequence or process.

he commenced with

Formal alternative, placing greater emphasis on the act of beginning.

he initiated with

Similar to 'commenced with', implying a formal beginning or launch.

his first step was

Highlights the initial action taken in a sequence of steps.

at the outset, he

Formal phrase stressing the very beginning of an endeavor.

he proceeded by

Suggests a methodical or step-by-step approach from the start.

he led off by

Implies starting an activity or performance, often used in presentations or performances.

he pioneered with

Suggests the innovative or groundbreaking start of something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "he started by"?

You can use alternatives like "he began with", "initially, he", or "his first step was" depending on the context.

How to use "he started by" in a sentence?

Use "he started by" to introduce the first action someone took in a series of steps, such as, "He started by gathering the necessary materials before assembling the furniture."

Is it correct to say "he started with" instead of "he started by"?

Yes, "he started with" is a correct and often interchangeable alternative to "he started by", although "he started by" is more common when describing a method or process.

What is the difference between "he started by" and "he ended by"?

"He started by" indicates the initial action, while "he ended by" indicates the final action in a series of steps. For example, "He started by gathering data, and he ended by writing the report."