Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
i started from
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "I started from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning point of a journey, process, or development in various contexts. Example: "I started from a small town and worked my way up to a successful career in the city."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
I started from zero.
News & Media
I started from scratch.
News & Media
Then I started from the beginning.
News & Media
"I started from zero," he said.
News & Media
"I started from scratch," Mr. Garcia said.
News & Media
"I started from the ground up.
News & Media
"I started from one hectare and I decided my life had to continue making wine".
News & Media
"After the genocide, I started from scratch," she said, speaking through an interpreter.
News & Media
Notice that what I did here: I started from this tree.
Academia
Just harvest 2 first fruits from the Habanada I started from seed.
Academia
I computed the difference between the vectors I started from and it's one-dimensional projection.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing personal growth or achievements, "i started from" can effectively highlight the distance traveled and the challenges overcome, adding depth and impact to your narrative.
Common error
Avoid using "i started from" when you intend to convey a continuous state or ongoing condition. It's best used to describe a specific beginning, not a general situation. For example, instead of saying "I started from being tired", say "I was tired" to describe a continuous state.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "i started from" indicates the origin or beginning of a process, journey, or state. It functions as a verbal phrase that establishes context by specifying the initial condition or point of departure, helping to understand the progression or development being described. Examples in Ludwig illustrate diverse applications of this phrase.
Frequent in
News & Media
59%
Academia
18%
Formal & Business
8%
Less common in
Wiki
2%
Science & Research
2%
HuffPost
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "i started from" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote the beginning or origin of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a common phrase found in a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academic writing. While simple, it’s effective for setting context and highlighting progress. Remember to use it when you want to clearly indicate the initial state or point of departure. Although "i started from" is acceptable in most contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "i commenced from" or "i originated from" for sophisticated writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
i began at
Uses "began" instead of "started", implying a formal beginning at a specific point.
i commenced from
Replaces "started" with "commenced", suggesting a more formal initiation from a certain location or state.
i originated from
Emphasizes the origin or source, replacing "started" to focus on where something comes from.
i initiated from
Suggests the beginning of a process or project from a certain point.
i sprang from
Implies a sudden or rapid beginning, contrasting with the more neutral "started".
my starting point was
Shifts the focus to the "starting point" as a noun phrase.
i took off from
Suggests a beginning in terms of movement or progress from a location.
i embarked from
Implies starting a journey or endeavor from a specific place.
my roots are in
Focuses on the origin or foundation, differing slightly from a direct starting action.
i date back to
Refers to the time origin, rather than a physical starting location or action.
FAQs
How can I use "i started from" in a sentence?
You can use "i started from" to indicate your initial position, background, or the beginning of a process. For example, "I started from zero and built my business" or "I started from the basics to understand the concept".
What's a more formal way to say "i started from"?
For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "i commenced from" or "i originated from". These alternatives add a touch of sophistication to your writing.
Is it correct to say "i started from scratch"?
Yes, "i started from scratch" is a common and correct idiom. It means you began something without any prior advantage, help, or resources.
Can I use "i began from" instead of "i started from"?
While "i started from" is more common, "i began from" is grammatically correct and can be used. The choice often depends on the desired tone and context.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested