initiated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initiated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the beginning or starting of a process, action, or event. Example: "The project was initiated last month, and we are now in the planning phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We will scale it up to Oshiwara (a northern suburb), making it a total of 30 kilometres of cycling space, after the first eight weeks in Bandra-Khar-Santa Cruz," says Renuka Tahliani, one of the founders of the KBS Foundation, which initiated the first car-free Sunday initiatives.

The Guardian

It was born out of a creative writing workshop initiated by DADA books in Lagos.

The Guardian - Tech

Krishnaraj Rao, a lawyer and activist, initiated a programme with slum children a decade ago, painting lines on the roads to mark where pedestrians could walk in safety.

The Guardian

Susan Berman's friends have initiated conversations only to shut them down in a hurry.

The Guardian

In a joint statement announcing their Respect reunion, the four councillors said they believed the "fundamental" issues they had resigned over had "been resolved through intense dialogue initiated by Respect officials".

The Guardian

Richard Holloway, The X Factor's executive producer who initiated a root and branch review after the last series, said Cowell keeps a very careful eye on the show from the pop mogul's base in Los Angeles.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Most seriously of all, Nawaz Sharif, the prime minister Musharraf ousted in a coup in 1999, won a landslide victory and initiated a treason trial for which the former dictator could be hanged if found guilty.

The Guardian

Those compelling questions, coupled with a petty reference about "vulture capitalism" from the departing Rick Perry, initiated Gingrich's surge last week.

The Guardian - Opinion

I've felt content as I've seen little things I initiated, or budgeted for, or questioned and then adapted, make genuine differences to my colleagues.

The Guardian

Aaron Ramsey initiated the forward thrust, picking out Cazorla and, when the ball was worked to the right, David Alaba, who found himself exposed, lost his footing.

The Guardian - Sport

Today, Cuba is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations, with travel bans for its citizens lifted, economic reforms initiated, trade restrictions softened, and a thaw in relations with the US under way.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initiated" when you want to convey a sense of formality or official commencement of a project, process, or action. It's particularly suitable for business, legal, and academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "initiated" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "started" or "began" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The verb "initiated" primarily functions as a past participle or past tense verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies the beginning or commencement of an action, process, or project. The examples show its use in describing various events, actions, and processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initiated" is a versatile verb frequently used to describe the commencement of an action, process, or project. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across numerous contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific domains. While "initiated" is generally considered neutral to formal, its overuse in informal conversation is not recommended. Alternatives such as "started" or "began" may be more appropriate in casual contexts. The word appears in authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The Economist, solidifying its place as a standard term in the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Commenced

This alternative carries a similar level of formality to "initiated", often used in official or formal contexts.

Launched

This alternative is appropriate when referring to the start of a project or campaign.

Began

This alternative is a more general term for starting something, lacking the formal connotation of "initiated".

Started

This alternative is similar to "began" but offers a slightly less formal tone than "initiated".

Originated

This alternative highlights the source or beginning of something, often used when discussing ideas or movements.

Set in motion

This alternative emphasizes the act of starting a process or chain of events.

Instigated

This alternative implies that the start was triggered by a specific event or action, often with a negative connotation.

Triggered

This alternative indicates that something caused an action or process to begin suddenly.

Brought about

This alternative suggests that something caused the start of a situation or event.

Established

This alternative is used when starting a long-lasting organization or system.

FAQs

How can I use "initiated" in a sentence?

Use "initiated" to describe the beginning or commencement of a process, project, or action. For instance, "The company "initiated a new marketing campaign" last quarter".

What are some alternatives to the word "initiated"?

Alternatives include "started", "began", "commenced", and "launched". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "initiated" and "started"?

"Initiated" typically implies a more formal or official beginning than "started". While "started" is suitable for everyday use, "initiated" is often preferred in business, legal, or academic contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "initiated" instead of "began"?

"Initiated" is more appropriate when emphasizing the formal commencement of something significant, such as a policy change or a large-scale project. "Began" is more general and can be used in a wider range of situations.