Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
she was started on
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
She was started on a blood thinner.
News & Media
She was started on a yearlong course of chemotherapy.
News & Media
(The flapper heroine Colleen Moore was Walter Howey's niece, and she was started on her career when she was fifteen.
News & Media
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.
Science
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.
Science
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
she began
Emphasizes the initiation of an action or treatment, offering a more direct and grammatically sound alternative.
she commenced
A more formal synonym for 'began', suitable for professional or academic contexts.
she initiated
Highlights the act of setting something in motion, often used in the context of treatments or projects.
she was placed on
Focuses on the act of assigning someone to a specific treatment or regimen.
she undertook
Implies taking on a task or responsibility, which can include a treatment or course of action.
she embarked on
Suggests the beginning of a journey or endeavor, often used for longer-term treatments or projects.
she was given
Focuses on the act of providing something, such as a medication or treatment.
she received
Highlights the act of obtaining something, such as a diagnosis or treatment.
treatment began for her
Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the start of treatment, altering the sentence structure.
her treatment started
Simplifies the sentence to focus on the commencement of treatment.
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.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested