how things started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how things started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the origins or beginnings of a situation, event, or story. Example: "In this documentary, we will explore how things started in the tech industry and the innovations that followed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But that's not how things started.

The New York Times

That's how things started, in that spirit.

The New Yorker

I don't know exactly how things started to get better.

HuffPost

That was a big change from how things started six years ago.

Huffington Post

We may never uncover the truth behind what really occurred between David Petraeus and Paula Broadwell -- who did what, who did it first and how things started to unfold.

Huffington Post

I am always inspired further when I get an email back saying how successful they have become, or how things started working out once they took an approach to end the bullying.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I am not saying that this could lead to a full state confrontation, but this is how things start to get out of control".

The Guardian

Sixty-five yeafterfthe the liberation of Auschwitz, Europeans can permit themselves to be squeamish about how things start and how things, if left unabated, can end, and about how perceived fears of losing national identity need to be addressed very quickly if they are not to lead down a very dangerous path.

The New York Times

The blogger who relished his characterisations but thought that Rankin "overcomplicates the plot", as if to distance himself from "the more formulaic examples of the crime genre", might have been surprised to hear that the writer too was discovering how "things start to connect" as he went along.

The Guardian - Books

And perhaps that's how things start to fall apart.

Forbes

And this is how things start to make sense.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how things started", ensure the context clearly indicates what "things" refers to. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "how things started" without clearly establishing what "things" represents. Unclear references can confuse readers. Instead, clarify the subject, for example, "how the project started".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how things started" functions as a relative clause, often introducing a description or explanation of the initial stages of an event, process, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

21%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how things started" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions as a relative clause to inquire about or describe the origins of an event, process, or situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is acceptable in written English and it is more frequently found in news and media contexts, with occasional use in academic settings. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what "things" refers to. Consider formal alternatives like "the origins of" or "the inception of" in formal writing to adjust the tone. Common errors involve vagueness, so it's best to be specific about the subject being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the origin of events

Replaces "how" with "the origin", focusing on the beginning point.

the genesis of the situation

Uses more formal vocabulary to indicate the start of a situation.

the roots of the problem

Focuses specifically on the origin of a problem or issue.

the commencement of matters

Employs a formal tone, replacing everyday words with more sophisticated terms.

the kickoff of activities

Implies the start of a series of actions or activities.

the outset of the business

Focuses on the starting point of a particular undertaking or business.

the dawning of circumstances

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe the beginning of a set of circumstances.

the launch of proceedings

Suggests the initiation of a formal process or set of proceedings.

the inception of the affair

Uses a more dramatic term to describe the start of an event or affair.

the birth of the concept

Metaphorically refers to the beginning of an idea or concept.

FAQs

What does "how things started" mean?

The phrase "how things started" refers to the manner in which a situation, event, or process began. It inquires about the origin or initial stages of something.

What can I say instead of "how things started"?

You can use alternatives such as "the origin of events", "the genesis of the situation", or "the commencement of matters" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "how things started" in formal writing?

While "how things started" is grammatically correct, it may be more appropriate to use a more formal alternative like "the origins of" or "the inception of" in formal writing.

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

You can use it in a sentence like this: "The documentary explores "how things started" in the tech industry and the innovations that followed."