is started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something has begun or is in the process of beginning, often in passive constructions. Example: "The project is started once all the necessary approvals are obtained."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But at least the debate is started.

The New York Times

"It is started already, the agents are working," he said.

Independent

The car is started, pulled out of the driveway.

The New Yorker

The system is started.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Then, the frame rate control is started.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Then, the flow test is started.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Initially, one Tomcat server is started.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Once qualification/validation is started, it is really never over.

How to Validate a Pharmaceutical Process Part of the Expertise in Pharmaceutical Process Technology Series

The analysis is started from the basic elements of network.

Journal of Transportation Systems Engineering and Information Technology

The MPE is started from the PSpice Accessories menu.

Analog Design and Simulation Using OrCAD Capture and PSpice

– Phone reboots when recording is started.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is started", ensure clarity by specifying what is being started either before or immediately after the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "is started" when an active voice construction is more appropriate and direct. For instance, instead of "The process is started by the engineer", use "The engineer starts the process".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is started" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that an action or process is being initiated, with the focus on the action itself rather than the agent performing the action. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is started" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase that indicates the beginning of an action or process. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and formal business settings. While widely accepted, it's important to consider whether an active voice construction might provide greater clarity. Remember to use alternative phrases like "is commenced" or "is initiated" for a more formal tone and to avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is begun

A simpler and more direct synonym for "is started".

has been started

Emphasizes the completion of the starting action.

is commenced

Implies a more formal and official beginning.

is initiated

Suggests a formal and often complex beginning.

is launched

Often used when referring to projects, products, or campaigns.

gets started

A more informal way of saying something begins.

is kicked off

Suggests an energetic or enthusiastic beginning.

is underway

Indicates that something has already begun and is in progress.

is activated

Implies bringing something into operation.

is triggered

Indicates that something begins as a result of a specific action or event.

FAQs

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

Use "is started" to describe when an action or process commences, such as "The meeting "is started" promptly at 9 AM".

What's a formal alternative to "is started"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "is commenced" or "is initiated", depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "is started"?

While "is started" is a passive construction, consider whether the active voice provides more clarity. For instance, instead of "The engine "is started" by the mechanic", you could say "The mechanic starts the engine".

What's the difference between "is started" and "has started"?

"Is started" implies an action that is currently being initiated or is in progress, while "has started" indicates an action that began at some point in the past and continues to the present or has recently finished.