it started with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it started with" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to introduce a story, as in the sentence: "It started with a bang, and everyone jumped in fright."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It started with metal.

The New York Times

It started with Vietnam.

Independent

It started with bedtime.

The New Yorker

It started with enzymes.

The Economist

It started with a road.

The New York Times

It started with the coconuts.

The New York Times

It started with 25 people.

The Economist

It started with Miss Susie.

The New York Times

It started with the women.

The New York Times

It started with mortars.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It started with a bet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it started with" to clearly indicate the initial event or circumstance in a narrative or explanation. This helps establish a chronological order and provides context for subsequent developments.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying complex causal relationships by using "it started with" when multiple factors contributed to the outcome. Ensure the stated starting point is genuinely the primary initiating factor, not just one of many influences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it started with" functions as a transitional phrase introducing the initial event or cause in a narrative or explanation. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Huffington Post

6%

The New Yorker

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it started with" is a versatile and frequently used expression to introduce the beginning of a story, explanation, or sequence of events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, it serves to establish chronology and provide context. While alternatives like "it all began with" exist, "it started with" offers a neutral tone suitable for a wide range of communication purposes. Remember to avoid oversimplifying complex situations when using this phrase to ensure accuracy and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it all began with

Emphasizes the commencement of a series of events from a specific origin.

it stemmed from

Suggests that something developed or originated as a consequence of a particular cause or source.

it was initiated by

Highlights the action or agent that set something in motion.

it can be traced back to

Suggests an investigation or analysis revealing the starting point of a development.

the origin was

Focuses specifically on the source or root from which something emerged.

the root cause was

Directly points to the fundamental reason or underlying factor behind a situation.

the catalyst for this was

Emphasizes the triggering event or factor that started a process or change.

the genesis of this was

Highlights the very beginning or creation of something, often implying a more significant development.

the precursor to this was

Indicates an earlier event or development that paved the way for a subsequent one.

its humble beginnings were in

Highlights the modest or unassuming start of something that later grew in significance.

FAQs

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

Use "it started with" to introduce the initial event or cause in a sequence of events. For example, "It started with a simple phone call and escalated into a major conflict."

What are some alternatives to "it started with"?

You can use alternatives like "it all began with", "it stemmed from", or "the origin was" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it was started with" instead of "it started with"?

No, "it was started with" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts. The active voice, "it started with", is generally preferred for clarity and directness.

What's the difference between "it started with" and "it began with"?

While both phrases are similar, "it began with" might imply a more formal or deliberate initiation compared to "it started with", which can be more neutral or casual. The phrases are often interchangeable, but their subtle connotations can influence the tone of your writing.