it was started with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was started with" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to indicate the beginning of an action or event, but the construction is awkward and unclear. Example: "The project was started with a brainstorming session to gather ideas."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Plug and Play's festival director Billy Reid says: "it was started with the idea of 'why wait to give?' Why don't we have a yearly event set up just for giving?

Independent

It was started with the reversible chemical reaction to form carbamate, and followed by the CO2 hydration reaction.

Chemical Engineering Journal

It was started with money from the Pritzker family, which owns Hyatt Hotels.

The New York Times

It was started with the help of fifth-graders from the District's Bancroft Elementary School, in March 2009.

The Washington Post

It was started with financing from Microsoft and support from the basketball star Shaquille O'Neal, who was a club alumnus.

The New York Times

His meltdown – for that is exactly what it was – started with the opening goal when he came to the edge of his penalty area to collect a ball that Toni Kroos, trying to set Karim Benzema free, had overhit.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"It was starting with the basics.

BBC

In this case, it was starting with words.

Huffington Post

FP1 is under way and it's started with the thrilling drama of Sauber's Marcus Ericsson out on the track.

BBC

Hence, it is started with the selection of a logical endpoint for the project activities via the critical path method algorithm as a planned duration.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

The company has bigger goals for its software, but it's starting with a focus on SaaS churn.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Favor active voice constructions such as "it began with" or "the initiative started with" to enhance clarity and directness. Avoid using the passive construction "it was started with" in formal writing.

Common error

Relying excessively on passive voice constructions like "it was started with" can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Prioritize active voice to clearly identify the subject performing the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was started with" functions as a passive construction indicating the initial phase or action in a process or event. While Ludwig suggests this phrase is not correct in standard written English, its use is aimed at describing how something commenced, as illustrated in many examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it was started with" is frequently used across various contexts like News & Media and Science, it's often considered grammatically awkward and not ideal for formal writing. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a passive construction that lacks the directness of active voice alternatives. For clearer and more impactful writing, consider using alternatives like "it began with", "the initiative commenced with", or specifying who or what initiated the action. Prioritizing these alternatives can enhance the quality and clarity of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it began with

Emphasizes the commencement of an event or activity; avoids passive voice awkwardness.

the origin was

Focuses on the source or initial point of something; provides a direct subject.

the initiative commenced with

Highlights the formal beginning of a project or plan; adds a sense of structure.

it was initiated by

Highlights who or what started something; shifts focus to the agent of initiation.

its inception was

Refers to the very beginning or establishment of something; adds a formal tone.

the project was launched with

Specifies the start of a project; emphasizes a formal unveiling or commencement.

the process originated in

Focuses on where a process began; indicates a geographical or conceptual origin.

it stemmed from

Indicates the source or cause from which something arose; implies a causal relationship.

the foundation was laid with

Emphasizes the initial steps or groundwork; suggests a deliberate and structured beginning.

the roots can be traced to

Suggests a historical or developmental beginning; implies a search for origins.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "it was started with"?

Consider using stronger, more direct alternatives such as "it began with", "the initiative commenced with", or "the project was launched with" to improve clarity.

Is "it was started with" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "it was started with" is often considered awkward. Opt for more direct and grammatically sound alternatives for formal contexts.

How can I use "it began with" instead of "it was started with"?

Instead of saying "It was started with a meeting", try "it began with a meeting" to make the sentence more concise and active.

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

"It started with" is a more direct and active way to express the beginning of something, whereas "it was started with" is passive and less clear. Therefore, "it started with" is generally preferred.