how it started

USAGE SUMMARY

"how it started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a narrative about the beginning of something, such as a story, event, or a relationship. For example: "We had heard the rumors about the wild office parties, but we never expected to find out just how it started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's how it started.

The New York Times - Sports

So that's how it started.

Independent

Remember how it started?

The New Yorker

Here's how it started.

The Guardian

And that was how it started.

The New York Times - Sports

That is very likely how it started.

The Economist

Tells how it started in 1932.

The New Yorker

"I think that's how it started".

The New Yorker

That's really how it started.

The Guardian - Music

And that's how it started".

The Guardian - Music

I don't remember how it started.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how it started" to introduce a narrative or explanation of the initial stages of an event, process, or relationship to engage the reader or listener.

Common error

Avoid using "how it started" at the end of a discussion. It is intended to introduce a beginning, not to summarize a conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how it started" functions as a relative clause introducing a narrative or explanation about the origin or beginning of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how it started" is a commonly used phrase that functions as a relative clause, introducing the beginning or origin of a story, event, or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use across different contexts, particularly in news media. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communications. When using the phrase, ensure it clearly sets the stage for what follows, detailing the initial circumstances. Remember, as Ludwig's analysis shows, avoiding the use of the phrase at the end of a discussion as a conclusion is very important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how it began

Uses 'began' instead of 'started', offering a simple and direct alternative.

how it originated

Substitutes 'started' with 'originated', indicating the point where something began to exist.

how it commenced

Replaces 'started' with a more formal synonym, 'commenced'.

how it unfolded

Uses 'unfolded' to suggest a gradual and revealing beginning.

the genesis of it

Employs 'genesis', a more literary term for beginning or origin.

how it was inaugurated

Replaces 'started' with 'inaugurated', suggesting a formal or official beginning.

the origin of it

Focuses on the 'origin' rather than the process of starting.

the root of it

Focuses on the 'root', implying the fundamental cause or beginning.

the initial phase

Refers to the beginning as an 'initial phase' rather than a starting point.

the kickoff

Uses the term 'kickoff' for a more informal and active way to describe the start.

FAQs

How can I use "how it started" in a sentence?

You can use "how it started" to introduce the beginning of a story, explanation, or process. For instance, "Let me tell you "how it started" with that old car of mine."

What's a more formal way to say "how it started"?

For a more formal tone, you might say "how it commenced" or "how it originated" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "how it starts" instead of "how it started"?

While "how it starts" can be grammatically correct, it refers to the present or future, whereas ""how it started"" refers to the past. Choose the tense based on your intended meaning.

Can "how it started" be used for things other than stories?

Yes, ""how it started"" is versatile and can be used for describing the origin of events, processes, relationships, or anything with a beginning.