it just started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it just started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has recently begun or commenced, often in response to a question about timing. Example: "I was hoping to catch the beginning of the movie, but it just started when I arrived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Sports

Fashion

World

Music

Arts

Science

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It just started its safety tests in Europe.

The New York Times - Health

"It just started to have a life of its own.

The Guardian - Tech

It just started happening quick".

The New York Times

It just started today".

The New York Times

It just started shaking.

The Guardian

It just started snowballing".

The New York Times - Sports

It just started with this established couple.

The New York Times

"It just started rumbling," Mr. Doyon said.

The New York Times

It just started in 1976.

The New York Times - Sports

It just started this year.

The Guardian

I read GQ when it just started.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it just started" to clearly indicate that an event, process, or activity has recently commenced. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it just started" when referring to events that began in the distant past. Ensure that the tense aligns with the context to maintain clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it just started" typically functions as a statement indicating the recent commencement of an event or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. Examples show its usage in various contexts, from describing the beginning of a movie to the onset of a symptom.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Tech

5%

Sports

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it just started" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate the recent commencement of an event. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase has a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings. Related phrases offer alternatives for varied expression, while understanding common errors helps ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it recently began

Replaces "just" with "recently" and uses the verb "began" instead of "started" for a more formal tone.

it has only just begun

Adds emphasis on the newness of the beginning by including "only" and using the perfect tense.

it commenced recently

Uses the more formal verb "commenced" and the adverb "recently" to indicate a recent start.

it initiated just now

Replaces "started" with "initiated" and adds "now" for immediate timing.

it only began today

Specifies the start date as "today", emphasizing the immediacy.

it has just been initiated

Uses passive voice with "initiated" to shift the focus from the actor to the action.

it's brand new

A more informal way of saying something has just started, emphasizing its newness.

it's freshly started

Uses the adverb "freshly" to emphasize the recentness of the start.

it's in its early stages

Focuses on the initial phase rather than the start itself, implying the beginning.

it kicked off recently

Uses the phrasal verb "kicked off" for a more casual expression of starting, combined with "recently".

FAQs

How can I use "it just started" in a sentence?

You can use "it just started" to indicate that something has recently begun. For example, "The movie "it just started" when we arrived at the theater".

What can I say instead of "it just started"?

You can use alternatives like "it recently began", "it has only just begun", or "it commenced recently" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it just started" or "it has just started"?

Both "it just started" and "it has just started" are grammatically correct. "It just started" is simple past tense, while "it has just started" is present perfect. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the present relevance of the starting event.

What's the difference between "it just started" and "it is starting"?

"It just started" indicates that something has already begun, while "it is starting" indicates that something is in the process of beginning. The former refers to a completed action of starting, while the latter refers to an ongoing action.