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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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she was started on

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was started on" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to indicate that someone began a process or treatment, but the construction is awkward and unclear. Example: "She was started on a new medication to help manage her symptoms."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was started on a blood thinner.

News & Media

The New Yorker

She was started on a yearlong course of chemotherapy.

News & Media

The New Yorker

(The flapper heroine Colleen Moore was Walter Howey's niece, and she was started on her career when she was fifteen.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Subsequently, she was started on oral corticosteroid 40 mg/day.

Nevertheless, she was started on isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol (RHZE).

She was started on oral prednisolone 60 mg/day after obtaining necessary clearance from physician.

She was started on 0.1 % propamidine and 0.02 % chlorhexidine drops every hour.

In consultation with neurology, she was started on phenytoin and valproic acid.

She was started on oral rifampicin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide 1 day after initiating NTM induction therapy.

Given the sterile appearance, she was started on Tobradex (tobramycin/dexamethasone) ophthalmic ointment four times daily.

She was started on induction therapy using infliximab, but her symptoms did not improve.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for clearer and more grammatically accepted alternatives such as "she began" or "she initiated" to ensure your writing is easily understood and professionally presented.

Common error

While using passive voice isn't inherently wrong, relying too heavily on phrases like "she was started on" can make your writing sound awkward and less direct. Choose active voice constructions whenever possible for a more engaging and impactful style.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was started on" functions as a passive construction indicating the commencement of a treatment, therapy, or process. However, Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically incorrect. The examples show its use in various contexts, primarily in medical and scientific literature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

22%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "she was started on" is frequently used, especially in scientific and news media contexts, Ludwig AI highlights that it is grammatically questionable. It functions to indicate the initiation of a treatment or process. For clearer and more grammatically sound writing, consider using alternatives such as "she began", "she commenced", or "she initiated", depending on the context and desired level of formality. Opting for these alternatives can improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "she was started on"?

Alternatives include "she began", "she commenced", or "she initiated". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. For instance, you could say "she began treatment" or "she initiated a new therapy".

Is "she was started on" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "she was started on" is considered grammatically awkward. Using more direct verbs like "began" or "commenced" provides clearer and more standard English phrasing.

How can I use "began" instead of "she was started on"?

Instead of "she was started on medication", you can say "she began medication" or "she began taking medication". This construction is more concise and grammatically preferred.

What are some formal alternatives to "she was started on"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "she commenced" or "she initiated". For example, "she commenced a course of antibiotics" maintains a professional tone.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: