he started to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he started to work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone began their work or tasks, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "After a long break, he started to work on the project with renewed energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He started to work for the rocket development department at Humboldt University, Berlin.

Acta Astronautica

He participated in farmwork for years before he started to work in a factory in 1973.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He said he was 16 when he started to work on the plant's killing floors.

The New York Times

"He started to work a lot harder and longer at his job," Mrs. Moroney recalled.

The New York Times

While convalescing, still chained to his bed, he started to work on the shackles.

The New Yorker

Tells how he started to work for the National Gallery in February , 1961

The New Yorker

Ultimately, though, he started to work on "The Edge of Heaven".

The New York Times

He started to work properly for the first time in his life.

The Guardian

When he started to work for DeMuth in 1985, Miller had not yet accepted his own homosexuality.

The New Yorker

When he started to work in interiors, he realised that he wanted to recreate that sense of "objects without hierarchy".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He pulls on a pair of latex gloves before he starts to work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context when choosing this phrase. In more formal writing, alternative such as "he commenced working" may be more suitable.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "he started to work" with similar-sounding phrases that might imply a different meaning. For instance, avoid saying "he was starting to work" if you mean he actually began working, as the latter implies a completed action, and the first one is in the process of beginning the work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he started to work" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a correct and usable expression in written English. The phrase consists of a subject pronoun, a verb indicating initiation, and an infinitive phrase specifying the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he started to work" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to indicate the commencement of an action or task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression. It's commonly found in news, scientific texts, and encyclopedias. While it holds a neutral tone, variations like "he commenced working" offer a more formal touch, while "he got down to work" provides a more informal alternative. When employing this phrase, clarity is key to avoid confusion with similar constructions. It serves as a clear and direct way to narrate the beginning of someone's work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he commenced working

Uses a more formal verb, 'commenced', to indicate the beginning of work.

he began his work

Emphasizes the initiation of 'his work' rather than simply 'working'.

he got down to work

Indicates a more focused and determined start to work.

he initiated his duties

Implies the beginning of official responsibilities or tasks.

he set about working

Suggests a deliberate and methodical approach to starting work.

he undertook the task

Focuses on the specific task that he is beginning.

he turned to his job

Implies a return to or a new focus on his job.

he launched into his work

Indicates an energetic and enthusiastic start.

he buckled down to work

Suggests a serious and concentrated effort to begin working.

he got cracking on his work

An informal way to say he started working quickly and efficiently.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "he started to work"?

You can use alternatives like "he commenced working", "he began his work", or "he got down to work" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he started working" instead of "he started to work"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "He started working" is more concise, while "he started to work" can sometimes add a slight emphasis on the intention or effort to begin working.

How does the formality of "he started to work" compare to its alternatives?

The phrase "he started to work" is generally considered neutral in formality. Alternatives like "he commenced working" are more formal, while phrases like "he got cracking on his work" are more informal.

What is the difference between "he started to work" and "he went to work"?

"He started to work" implies the beginning of an activity or task. "He went to work" usually indicates physically going to one's workplace or job.