i started by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the initial action or step taken in a process or narrative. Example: "I started by gathering all the necessary materials before beginning the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I started by telling cabdrivers," she said.

The New York Times

"I started by collecting weapons," he said.

The New York Times

I started by blogging and drawing cartoons.

The Guardian

I started by following interesting people.

The Guardian

"So I started by looking for the story of Moynat.

The New York Times

I started by jotting down the words "writer's block".

The New Yorker

Anyway, I started by playing with those words.

The New Yorker

I started by hitting several 8-irons reasonably well.

The New York Times

I started by looking at the death toll.

The New York Times - Science

"I started by texting her – it seemed easier," he says.

The Guardian

I started by interviewing the historians from around the world.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started by", ensure that the following action is directly related to the overall goal or process you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "I started by" if there isn't a logical progression or sequence of actions following the initial step. Make sure the subsequent actions build upon or relate to the starting point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started by" functions as a narrative marker, indicating the commencement of an action or process. It sets the stage for subsequent events or steps. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used to introduce what the speaker or writer did first.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started by" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for clearly indicating the initial step in a process or narrative. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It functions as a narrative marker, providing a chronological structure and setting the stage for subsequent actions. While maintaining a neutral register, it is frequently found in news, business, and scientific contexts. For clarity, always ensure the action that follows "I started by" clearly relates to the overall goal. Alternatives like "I began by" or "Initially, I" can be used to add variety while maintaining the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began by

A common synonym indicating the initial step.

To begin, I

Places emphasis on the start of a sequence.

I commenced by

Uses a more formal verb to indicate the beginning of an action.

Initially, I

Highlights the starting point of an action.

The first thing I did was

Clearly indicates the order of actions.

My initial step was

Emphasizes the first action taken in a more descriptive manner.

My first action involved

Focuses on the action itself rather than the actor.

I opened with

Suggests a planned or structured beginning.

At the outset, I

Implies a more formal or strategic initiation.

I kicked off by

Uses an informal idiom to indicate the start of something.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "I started by"?

You can use alternatives like "I began by", "Initially, I", or "To begin, I" depending on the context.

How can I use "I started by" in a sentence?

Use "I started by" to introduce the first action you took in a process, for example, "I started by gathering all the necessary materials".

Is it correct to say "I started by"?

Yes, "I started by" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate the initial step in a series of actions or events.

What is the difference between "I started by" and "I began by"?

"I started by" and "I began by" are often interchangeable. "Began" is slightly more formal, but both phrases serve to introduce the first action in a sequence.