how it was started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how it was started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the origin or initiation of a process, event, or project. Example: "In the documentary, the filmmaker explains how it was started and the challenges faced along the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Tells what is taught at the school, its famous graduates and how it was started in 1947, and has grown through the years.

The New Yorker

What many people don't know is the story of Study Notes and how it was started by then high school student Feross Aboukhadijeh because he wanted to build something cool.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This process is essential to repair replication-associated genomic lesions before cells enter mitosis, but how it is started and stopped during the cell cycle remains poorly understood.

Current Biology

At least, that is how it is starting to seem for many of the firms that bought in big during the boom of last decade.

The New York Times

I remember how it was when I was starting out.

The New York Times

Tells how the program was started & how it is being payed for by two foundations & some private companies.

The New Yorker

"I don't know how it is you start collecting.

The New Yorker

They made me realize how it is to start in a new country with all the odds against them".

The New York Times

It was unclear how the fire was started.

Huffington Post

This is how it's bound to start.

The New Yorker

Brainstorm on how a battle starts, how it is fought, and how it ends.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical events or company formations, use "how it was started" to add a personal or narrative touch, making the information more engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "how it was started" when an active voice would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of saying "how the project was started by the team", consider "how the team started the project" for conciseness and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how it was started" functions as a relative clause introducing information about the origin or commencement of something. It often appears within a larger sentence to provide context or explanation, similar to examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how it was started" functions as a grammatically correct relative clause used to describe the origins of an event or project. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It is most commonly found in news media, scientific articles, and wiki entries, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it serves to introduce explanations or narratives, providing background on initiations. For clarity and impact, writers should consider whether an active voice might be more effective, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how it began

Focuses on the initial point or moment something commenced.

the way it originated

Emphasizes the source or root from which something arose.

how it was initiated

Highlights the action of starting or setting something in motion.

the process of its creation

Highlights the steps and actions involved in bringing something into existence.

its inception

A more formal term for the beginning or start of something.

the history of its commencement

Focuses on the recorded events from the starting point.

how it came into being

Emphasizes the existence and development of something.

the story of its formation

Highlights the narrative or account of how something was structured or developed.

its genesis

A more sophisticated and less common term for origin or beginning.

the circumstances of its launch

Describes the conditions surrounding the initial introduction or deployment of something.

FAQs

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

Use "how it was started" to introduce the origin or initial phase of an event, project, or organization. For example, "The documentary explains "how it was started" and the challenges faced along the way".

What are some alternatives to "how it was started"?

You can use alternatives like "how it began", "the way it originated", or "its inception" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "how it was started" grammatically correct?

Yes, "how it was started" is grammatically correct. It uses a relative clause to describe the manner in which something began. The passive voice emphasizes the process rather than the actor.

What is the difference between "how it was started" and "how it started"?

"How it was started" implies a passive construction, focusing on the process or event. "How it started" is active and suggests a more direct account of the beginning. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action itself or the agent performing the action.