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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 quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

start using something

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

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.

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

The Guardian

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

Huffington Post

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

Los Angeles Times

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

The Economist

Start using penmanship packets or something to help improve your handwriting skills.

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

BBC

But once you build something, people start using your service and get excited about it.

News & Media

Huffington Post

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

The Guardian

We evaluated on a daily basis if it was necessary to start using our planned cohort isolation ward, something we never had to do.

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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.

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Common

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.

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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Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: