it was started

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a process or action began in the past. Example: "The charity fundraiser was a success; it was started last month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In its current version it was started in 2006/2007.

BMC Cancer

It was started in Bangalore, and now has its headquarters in Redwood City, Calif.

TechCrunch

It was started illegally.

The Washington Post

It was started in a garage.

The Economist

It was started using a well-planned and methodical approach.

Science & Justice

It was started by Kirschenman's grandfather.

The Guardian

It was started before we came into the government.

Cornell University

It was started by Benedictine monks in the 11th century.

The Guardian - Travel

"It was started by an anonymous student," he said.

The New York Times

It was started by Brad Greenspan, a founder of MySpace.

The New York Times

It was started in 1991 with a shopping mall.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was started", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify who or what initiated the action.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "it was started". Active voice often makes your writing more direct and engaging. Consider rewriting the sentence to use an active subject: "They started it in 1991" instead of "It was started in 1991".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was started" functions as a passive construction indicating the commencement of an action or process. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase, employed to express the beginning of something without necessarily specifying the actor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Academia

31%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was started" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for indicating the beginning of an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it's versatile across contexts, remember to ensure clarity and consider active voice alternatives for more direct writing. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources, indicating its broad applicability. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "it was started" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it began

This alternative is more concise and less formal.

it was initiated

This alternative suggests a more structured or official beginning.

it commenced

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the beginning of a process.

it originated

This alternative focuses on the source or origin of something.

it was launched

This alternative implies a more public or formal introduction.

it got underway

This alternative is more informal and suggests the start of an activity.

it arose

This alternative is more literary and suggests a gradual beginning.

its inception was

This alternative is more formal and focuses on the initial point of creation.

it came into being

This alternative is more philosophical and emphasizes the creation of something.

it dawned

This alternative is more figurative and suggests a gradual realization or beginning.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it was started" is used to indicate when something began. For example: "The project was ambitious; "it was started" with the goal of improving public transportation".

What are some alternatives to "it was started"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it began", "it commenced", or "it was initiated".

Is it better to use the active or passive voice when describing how something started?

While both are grammatically correct, active voice is often more direct and engaging. Consider using the active voice: "They started it" instead of the passive ""it was started"".

What is the difference between "it was started" and "it started"?

"It started" is in the active voice, indicating that something initiated itself. "It was started" is passive, suggesting an external force or entity initiated it.