it started to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it started to work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where something begins to function or operate effectively after a period of inactivity or failure. Example: "After several attempts to fix the software, I was relieved when it started to work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It was just an exercise, but it started to work.

The New Yorker

"It helps that they struggled a while before it started to work," Mr. Jonas said.

The New York Times - Arts

"Almost as soon as I'd started, it started to work," he remembers.

The Guardian - Books

It took a few minutes before it started to work, but then Hazel felt the warm emptiness creep over her.

The New Yorker

But Mouratoglou appeared to be gesturing for Williams to move to the net, and move to the net she did, and it started to work for her.

The New York Times - Sports

By the time it started to work, it was so overwhelming that I was holding onto the table at the restaurant where I was sitting because I was afraid to move".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But I started to work on it and I started to see the draw".

The New York Times - Food

As a muscle warms up, the force of its contractions can be charted like a staircase: when it starts to work, the contractions may be only half as strong as they are after it has contracted a few times.

The New York Times - Health

Then, when it starts to work there's a bit of jealousy.

The Guardian

What is required, we believe, is to first make reforms to our democracy so that it starts to work for the common good rather than private interests.

The Guardian - Business

Once the marketing group tackles higher-level tasks like segmentation, it starts to work more closely with other departments, particularly Strategic Planning, Product Development, Finance, and Manufacturing.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it started to work", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Clarity prevents ambiguity and enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "it started to work" without a clear antecedent for "it". Readers might struggle to understand what began to function effectively. Always specify the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it started to work" functions as a clause element expressing a change in state, specifically the commencement of effective operation. Ludwig confirms its common usage in various contexts, indicating its acceptability and relevance in describing when something begins to function as intended.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it started to work" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood phrase that describes the commencement of functionality or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in News & Media. While versatile, clarity is key; ensure "it" has a clear antecedent. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "it began to function". Overall, this phrase serves to effectively communicate a positive transition from ineffectiveness to functionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it began to function

This alternative focuses on the commencement of operation or functionality.

it became effective

This phrase highlights the point at which something becomes capable of producing the desired result.

it commenced working

Similar to "began to function", this emphasizes the initiation of the working process.

it proved successful

This emphasizes the positive outcome that resulted from the action or process.

it started functioning properly

This alternative explicitly includes the idea of something working correctly.

it got off the ground

This idiomatic phrase conveys the idea of a project or initiative beginning successfully.

it came into effect

Highlights the moment something starts being operative or valid.

it became operational

Focuses on the aspect of something being ready for use.

it kicked in

This is a more informal way of saying something began to take effect or work.

it paid off

This option highlights the benefits obtained as a result of effort or investment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it started to work" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it began to function" or "it became effective", depending on the specific context.

What does "it started to work" imply?

The phrase suggests that something was previously not functioning or producing the desired result but has now begun to do so. It indicates a transition from ineffectiveness to effectiveness.

Is there a difference between "it started to work" and "it began working"?

While similar, "it started to work" emphasizes the commencement of effectiveness, whereas "it began working" simply indicates the start of the working process. The difference is subtle but can affect the nuance.

Can "it started to work" be used in all contexts?

Yes, "it started to work" is generally versatile, but in highly formal or technical contexts, a more precise term might be preferred. For example, instead of "it started to work" you can say "the mechanism began operation".