it only started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it only started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has just begun or commenced, often implying that there is more to come or that it is in its early stages. Example: "The event was scheduled to last all day, but it only started an hour ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

It only started operating its mobile network in 2012.

TechCrunch

Although Amazon has been selling the Kindle Fire tablet in the U.S. for a year now, it only started to make its way to international markets in September 2012.

TechCrunch

Most years it has either booked a loss or broken even; it only started being funded by its own sales last year.

Forbes

By analysing a variety of minerals in rocks of known age, geologists discovered that for the first half of Earth's 4.6-billion-year history its atmosphere contained virtually no free oxygen — it only started accumulating 2.4 billion years ago.

Nature

But it only started work in January, and it will not have its full complement of some 60 investigators and 30 lawyers until the middle of this year.

The Economist

BBC Breakfast may improve soon — it only started broadcasting from Manchester in April, so many of its wrinkles could still be ironed out – but in the meantime the show is arguably holding on to its ratings lead by default, rather than brilliance.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

It only starts reducing the budget deficit in 2013, when the economy should be stronger.

The New York Times

But it only starts there.

Forbes

It only starts with the kind of campaign Romney has run.

Los Angeles Times

But it only starts to take place when people identify the obstacles and organize methods of finding solutions.

Huffington Post

"When no one is touching the piece it lies quiet and unlit, so it only starts to be fully realized when people are interacting with it," says Barnebey.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it only started" to emphasize that an event or process is in its initial phase, suggesting further development or continuation is expected. For example, "The project only started this month, so we anticipate significant progress in the coming quarters."

Common error

Avoid using "it only started" when referring to actions completed entirely in the past. Instead, use past perfect or simple past to accurately reflect the completed nature of the event. Instead of saying "It only started yesterday, but it's already finished", clarify with "It started yesterday and finished soon after."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it only started" functions as a verb phrase indicating the beginning of an action or state. As shown by Ludwig, it implies that the action has recently commenced.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it only started" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that indicates the recent commencement of an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, but also present in science and academia, the phrase serves to emphasize the initial stage of something. When writing, it's essential to consider the tense and context to ensure accurate usage, avoiding situations where a completed action might be misconstrued. Alternatives like "it just began" and "it has just commenced" can provide nuanced options for expressing a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it just began

Replaces "started" with "began", emphasizing the recent commencement.

it has just commenced

Uses "commenced" for a more formal tone, indicating the initiation of something.

it is in its early stages

Focuses on the phase of development rather than the specific start point.

it recently initiated

Highlights the recent action of initiating something.

it's just getting underway

Implies that something is in the process of starting and gaining momentum.

it's in the initial phase

Emphasizes that something is in its earliest period of existence.

it is newly established

Suggests that something has been created or founded recently.

it's only just taking off

Conveys the idea that something is beginning to become successful or popular.

it's at the inception

Uses a more formal term, "inception", to indicate the very beginning.

it's in its infancy

Compares the stage of development to the early stages of life, implying immaturity and potential for growth.

FAQs

What does "it only started" mean?

The phrase "it only started" indicates that something has recently begun, implying that it is in its early stages and may continue to develop or progress further.

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

You can use "it only started" to specify the recent commencement of an event or activity. For example, "The renovations "it only started" last week, so the building is still under construction."

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

You can use alternatives like "it just began", "it has just commenced", or "it is in its early stages" depending on the context.

Is there a more formal way to say "it only started"?

Yes, you could use "it has just commenced" for a more formal tone, indicating the initiation of something.