since I started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "since I started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a time period that began when you started a particular activity or experience. Example: "Since I started my new job, I've learned a lot about teamwork and collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Since I started everything, in 1957.

The New York Times

Since I started out things have changed dramatically.

Independent

Since I started driving the van, I've loved it.

The Guardian - Sport

They've haunted my notebooks since I started to write.

Independent

"My bum's lifted slightly (since I started training)," she said.

Independent

"Ever since I started talking, they stopped me from travelling".

Independent

Plenty has changed for the better since I started out.

The Guardian

"But since I started beating him, he's not playing anymore".

The New York Times - Sports

It has only started since I started to lose weight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I feel much better since I started coming to Cuba.

The Guardian

I haven't menstruated since I started working here.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "since I started", ensure the following clause clearly indicates the result or consequence of that beginning point. For example, "Since I started this job, I've gained invaluable experience."

Common error

Avoid using "since I started" with future tense verbs. "Since I started, I will be better" is incorrect. Use present perfect or past tenses to show the ongoing result or completed effect, like "Since I started, I have been better" or "Since I started, I was better".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "since I started" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, introducing a clause that specifies the beginning of a period. This is consistent with the examples Ludwig provides, where the phrase sets a temporal reference point for a subsequent action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "since I started" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a timeframe beginning with the commencement of an activity or event. According to Ludwig, this phrase is versatile and applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business communication. To ensure correct usage, remember to use appropriate verb tenses in the subsequent clause and understand that this phrase establishes a temporal link between the starting point and a later condition. To enrich your writing, alternatives like "ever since I began" can provide similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ever since I began

Replaces "started" with "began", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

from the moment I commenced

Uses "commenced" instead of "started", increasing formality and emphasizing a specific starting point.

after I initiated

Emphasizes the act of beginning something, using "initiated" for a more deliberate tone.

since I took up

Replaces "started" with "took up", implying the commencement of a hobby or activity.

following my commencement of

A more formal and complex rephrasing using "commencement of" to indicate the beginning.

after I got into

More informal; suitable when referencing beginning something new like a hobby or interest.

subsequent to my starting

A formal way to indicate time passed after the beginning of something.

once I embarked on

Implies a more significant beginning, like a project or journey.

from when I undertook

Uses "undertook" to suggest a formal or serious beginning of an activity.

dating back to when I initiated

Emphasizes the time elapsed since the beginning of something.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "since I started" in a sentence?

Use "since I started" to indicate a period that began when you initiated something. For example, "Since I started exercising, I feel healthier."

What phrases can I use instead of "since I started" to vary my writing?

You can use alternatives such as "ever since I began", "from the moment I commenced", or "after I initiated" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between using "since I started" and "after I started"?

"Since I started" emphasizes the duration from the starting point to the present, while "after I started" simply indicates a sequence of events. For example, "Since I started this job, I've learned a lot" focuses on the continuing period, whereas "After I started the meeting, we discussed the agenda" only refers to what happened next.

Can I use "since I started" with a future tense verb?

No, using "since I started" with a future tense verb is grammatically incorrect. Instead, use present perfect or past tenses to show an ongoing or completed effect. For instance, use "Since I started, I have improved" instead of "Since I started, I will improve".