it all started then

USAGE SUMMARY

"It all started then" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate the beginning of something. For example, "My journey as a freelance writer began three years ago when it all started then."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I think it all started then.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then there was a pause for about 15 seconds and then it all started up again.

The Guardian

It started then".

Independent

It started, then, as a guilty pleasure.

Huffington Post

If heparin is started then it can easily be discontinued.

Critical Care

It all started in 2008, then they set about preparing the ground".

The Guardian

It all started in Japan, then on to Hong Kong, Shanghai, and finally Beijing.

Huffington Post

My activism started then.

The Guardian

But he had not got started then.

The New Yorker

'Well," I started, then stopped.

Huffington Post

My life as a lookalike started then".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it all started then" to clearly indicate a specific point in the past when a series of events or a particular situation began. It is effective when providing context or explaining the origin of something.

Common error

Avoid using "it all started then" in contexts that require present or future tense. This phrase refers to a past event, so ensure the surrounding sentences also reflect past tense for coherence.

Linguistic Context

It all started then functions as an adverbial phrase, pinpointing a specific moment in the past when a situation or series of events commenced. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively establishes a temporal reference for the beginning of something. The examples show it used in both personal narratives and historical accounts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it all started then" serves as a grammatically sound and neutrally formal adverbial phrase, effectively indicating a specific starting point for a situation or sequence of events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness for use in written English. Commonly found in news and media, this phrase provides essential context and clarity. When writing, ensure you maintain past tense consistency and consider more formal alternatives for professional settings. While generally versatile, using related phrases such as "that's when it began" or "that marked the beginning" can add nuance and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's when it began

Focuses on a specific point in time as the origin.

that marked the beginning

Highlights a particular event as the start of a period.

that was the genesis

More formal, emphasizing the creation or beginning of something.

it originated at that point

More formal and precise about the origin.

the starting point was then

Directly indicates the initial stage or moment.

it commenced then

A more formal and less common way to say something began.

that's where it all kicked off

More informal and emphasizes a sudden or energetic beginning.

it took root at that time

Implies a gradual and organic beginning.

the inception was then

Very formal and focuses on the initial stage of something.

the seeds were sown then

Metaphorical, suggesting the start of a process or development.

FAQs

How can I use "it all started then" in a sentence?

Use "it all started then" to indicate the specific time or event when something began. For example, "The project faced numerous challenges, but "it all started then", with a simple idea."

What are some alternatives to "it all started then"?

You can use alternatives like "that's when it began", "that marked the beginning", or "it originated at that point" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "it all started then" formal or informal?

"It all started then" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both informal and formal contexts, although more formal alternatives exist for professional writing.

What is the difference between "it all started then" and "it began then"?

"It all started then" implies a sequence of events or a more complex situation that originated at a specific time, while "it began then" is a more direct and simple statement about when something commenced.