previously started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that was initiated or begun at an earlier time. Example: "We will continue with the project that was previously started last month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He previously started courses at both Liverpool and Leeds.

The Guardian

I cannot recall having previously started a blogpost by reporting a speech to the Irish parliament.

The Guardian

Mr. Hammond, 53, previously started a human resources consulting firm and an art gallery, and was a cartoonist.

The New York Times - Tech

It is being investigated as a possible arson because suspicious fires have previously started in the same area, he said.

The New York Times

Balihoo was founded by Peter Gombert, an entrepreneur who had previously started and sold three software companies.

The New York Times

The two men previously started Opsware, a data center software company, and sold it to Hewlett-Packard in 2007.

The New York Times

Burck Smith, who previously started an online tutoring company, founded Straighterline in 2008 to challenge the high cost of college.

The New York Times

NPR previously started a midday newsmagazine called "Day to Day" in 2003, but it was canceled in 2009.

The New York Times

I had previously started two other games in the Zelda series but found both so lackluster that I stopped playing within a couple of hours.

The New York Times - Tech

Having previously started every one of the Colts' games since being drafted in 1998, he would go on to miss the entire 2011 season.

The Guardian - Sport

Only two women have previously started a grand prix, the Italians Maria Teresa de Filipis and Lella Lombardi, the latter back in 1976.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "previously started", ensure the context clearly indicates what the action or process is and why its prior commencement is relevant. For example, "The project, previously started in 2024, is now nearing completion."

Common error

Avoid using "previously started" with redundant time adverbs that reiterate the past nature of the action. For instance, instead of saying "previously started before", simply use "previously started" or "started before".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously started" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action that began at an earlier point in time. Ludwig's examples show it commonly modifies nouns, specifying that something had an initial phase or stage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previously started" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes an action or process that began at some point in the past. As indicated by Ludwig, it's commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to avoid redundancy by omitting unnecessary time adverbs. The related phrases offer similar meanings but may vary in formality or emphasis. Understanding the nuances of "previously started" and its alternatives can enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

already begun

Emphasizes the completed aspect of starting, focusing on the state after the commencement.

formerly initiated

More formal, highlighting the official or structured beginning of something.

previously commenced

A formal alternative using a synonym for 'started', indicating a prior beginning.

earlier initiated

Highlights that the initiation occurred at an earlier, unspecified time.

already initiated

Emphasizes that something has already undergone initiation.

had started before

Explicitly states the temporal order, that the starting happened before something else.

began earlier

Simpler phrasing, emphasizing that the start was at an earlier time.

started in the past

Directly indicates that the commencement was in a prior time frame.

used to start

Highlights a past habitual action of starting something.

once initiated

Implies that the action of initiating only occurred a single time.

FAQs

How can I use "previously started" in a sentence?

You can use "previously started" to describe something that began before a specific time or event. For instance, "The research, "previously started" by another team, was continued by our lab."

What are some alternatives to "previously started"?

Alternatives include "already begun", "formerly initiated", or "previously commenced". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "previously started before"?

No, saying "previously started before" is redundant. It's better to use either "previously started" or "started before" to avoid repetition.

What is the difference between "previously started" and "currently ongoing"?

"Previously started" indicates that something began in the past, while "currently ongoing" means it's happening now. You might say, "The project, "previously started" in January, is "currently ongoing" and expected to finish in December."