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
start using something
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable 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
1 human-written examples
Start using something like FrontLine or K9 Advantix® to make sure you don't get another infestation.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
A conversation was started using something as simple as text messaging and it enabled farmers to change how they are solving this problem; change how they work together and the relationship between the government and the farmer.
News & Media
You never know when all of a sudden, someone starts using something that, for the most part, no one was paying attention to and then something breaks loose.
News & Media
After all, when people start using "literally" to mean something other than "literally," a clear, precise, useful word takes it on the chin.
News & Media
But if, as is now likely, the fag-end of Mr Berlusconi's premiership soon burns out and the president calls an election, Mr Fini will need to start using power to get something done for the good of Italians, not Gianfranco Fini.
News & Media
Start using penmanship packets or something to help improve your handwriting skills.
Wiki
Creativity Room Objects: A creativity room is a space to get inspiration, start using your imagination and design something creative.
"I'm too scared to get them dirty so maybe it's best I start using them as doorstops or something".
News & Media
But once you build something, people start using your service and get excited about it.
News & Media
I think that 2015 will be the year that the industry prepares itself to stop talking about it as something special and start using it with an imagination and scale that we haven't seen before.
News & Media
We evaluated on a daily basis if it was necessary to start using our planned cohort isolation ward, something we never had to do.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Place the object immediately after 'using' to maintain a direct and clear sentence structure.
Common error
Avoid unnecessary modifiers like 'start to begin using something'. This creates a pleonasm that clutters the sentence without adding meaning. Stick to a single aspectual verb to introduce the action.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "start using something" functions as a complex predicate where the verb 'start' acts as an aspectual marker, indicating the inception of the action denoted by the gerund 'using'. This construction is highly productive in English and follows standard syntactical rules for catenative verbs as noted in Ludwig.
Frequent in
News & Media
55%
Wiki
25%
Academia
10%
Less common in
Science
5%
Formal & Business
3%
Social Media
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "start using something" is a foundational component of the English language, primarily used to signal the beginning of a process or the adoption of a new tool. Analysis of Ludwig AI data reveals that it is exceptionally versatile, appearing frequently in high-quality journalism and academic discourse. While it is grammatically simple, its strength lies in its transparency and ability to describe a wide range of actions—from using medical facilities to adopting new software. Writers should feel confident using this phrase in most settings, though they may opt for more formal alternatives like "begin employing" when addressing a professional or scientific audience.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
begin to use something
Uses the infinitive form instead of the gerund, often sounding slightly more formal
start making use of something
Emphasizes the utility and practical application of the object
adopt the use of something
Implies a more deliberate or institutional choice to integrate something new
commence using something
A highly formal alternative suitable for legal or academic contexts
take up using something
Often refers to starting a hobby or a personal habit
begin employing a thing
Uses a more sophisticated verb for utilizing an object
get started with something
A more conversational and idiomatic way to express the beginning of an activity
incorporate something into use
Suggests integrating something into an existing process or routine
start to apply something
Focuses on the application or implementation of a method or tool
resort to using something
Carries a negative connotation, implying that the action is a final option
FAQs
How to use 'start using something' in a sentence?
You can use it to describe the beginning of a new habit or the first time someone uses a tool, such as: "After the update, users will "start using the new interface" daily".
What can I say instead of 'start using something'?
Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "begin utilizing", "adopt" or "make use of".
Which is correct, 'start using something' or 'start to use something'?
Both are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. However, "start using something" often suggests the beginning of a habit or ongoing process, while "start to use something" can sometimes point to a specific point in time.
What's the difference between 'start using' and 'commence using'?
The main difference is the level of formality. "start using" is neutral and common in speech, whereas "commence using" is formal and typically found in legal, official or highly professional writing.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested