it was started by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was started by' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: "The fire in the kitchen was started by a lit candle that was left unattended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(It was started by a Chinese company from Sichuan to promote its pungent liquor of the same name).

The New York Times - Food

It was started by Kirschenman's grandfather.

The Guardian

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

Well, it was started by a nonprofit in 1826, called the General Hospital Society of Connecticut.

Yale University

The current owner is Robert Barber, and it was started by his grandparents.

The New York Times - Travel

"It was started by a group of artists who didn't agree with official art".

The New York Times - Travel

It was started by Janus Friis, a Dane, and Niklas Zennstrom, a Swede.

The New York Times

It was started by Somaly Mam, a Cambodian woman who survived the sex trade there.

The New York Times

It was started by Jamal and others to document information about the Saffron Revolution and coordinate various global events.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it was started by", ensure that the subject 'it' is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'It was started by...', provide context like 'The project was started by...'.

Common error

Avoid attributing the start to a figurehead when the real work was done by a team. Give credit where it's due by specifying 'it was started by a team led by...' instead of solely crediting the leader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was started by" functions as a passive construction, indicating who or what initiated an action, event, or organization. This construction is commonly used to shift focus from the action itself to the originator, as seen in many of Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was started by" is a grammatically sound and versatile passive construction used to indicate the initiator of an action or organization. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. While it maintains a generally neutral tone, alternative phrases might be more suitable for highly formal settings. The phrase is particularly common in news and media, followed by academic contexts. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "it was started by" to clearly attribute origins in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was initiated by

Focuses on the act of initiating, often implying a formal beginning.

it was commenced by

Emphasizes the beginning or starting point of an action or process.

it was founded by

Specifically indicates the establishment of an organization or institution.

it was created by

Highlights the act of bringing something new into existence.

it was established by

Implies a more formal and structured beginning or setup.

it was instigated by

Suggests that someone or something prompted the beginning, often with negative connotations.

it was launched by

Often used when referring to products, campaigns, or initiatives.

it was pioneered by

Emphasizes the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the beginning.

the origin was with

Changes the structure to focus on the origin rather than the starting action.

the genesis was due to

Uses more formal language to indicate the cause of the beginning.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it was initiated by", "it was established by", or "it was founded by", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it was started by" and "it was created by"?

While both phrases indicate origination, "it was started by" generally implies the beginning of a process or activity, whereas "it was created by" suggests the making of something new.

What are some alternatives to "it was started by" that emphasize innovation?

To highlight innovation, you can use phrases like "it was pioneered by" or "it was spearheaded by", which suggest a groundbreaking beginning.

Can I use "it was started by" in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "it was started by" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, for particularly formal situations, you might prefer alternatives like "it was initiated by".