started

USAGE SUMMARY

"started" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a verb, usually in the past tense, to indicate that something has begun. For example: "I started college last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Caribs soon realised they'd been had and started to make life as difficult as possible for the French, who sent out a hunting party to teach them a lesson.

The Guardian - Travel

By the time the war started, though, he was a country landowner, aged 48: despite his age, he was keen to be involved.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So I quit my job and started I'mPossible".

The Guardian

When he first started putting men in pussy-bow blouses, there was muttering about boundary pushing and it was dismissed as experimental London fashion by some factions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the daydreaming time somewhere between browsing Instagram and waiting for the models to appear, I started mentally shopping for a new skirt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When asked to respond to Simon Cowell's recent comment that Clarkson "started to fight against what made her successful … one minute she wants to make pop records, and then she doesn't," she laughs loudly again, but there's a distinct flash of anger as she says: "Everyone's aware that My Life Would Suck Without You and Already Gone were huge pop hits, right?

The Guardian - Music

Related: Terry Pratchett: I started writing my new book when I was 17-years-old.

The Guardian

I started the campaign in 2009 after speaking at a meeting in Doncaster where major cuts were mooted.

The Guardian - Books

The ancient Zoroastrian festival marking the spring equinox, Nowruz, which started on Saturday, encompasses the revered tradition of Eid-Didani, or visiting one another.

The Guardian

I first started selling fruits and vegetables when I was 12 years old and then later switched over to haring and have been here ever since.

The Guardian - Travel

Wolff had studied architecture and design and had been working in a small London design partnership when they met and started their groundbreaking brand consultancy Wolff Olins in 1965.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence of events, use "started" to clearly indicate the beginning of each event. This ensures a chronological flow in your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using the present tense "start" when referring to actions that have already begun. Always use the past tense "started" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "started" is as the past tense form of the verb "start". Ludwig AI confirms it is a usable word, indicating the commencement of an action or event in the past. Examples include "He started his career" or "The game started late".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

20%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Opinion

7%

Music

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started" is a versatile and grammatically sound past tense verb, widely used across various contexts to indicate the commencement of an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable word in written English. Its neutral formality makes it suitable for both professional and informal communication. When writing, ensure you maintain tense consistency and avoid using "start" when referring to past events. Consider alternatives like "began" or "commenced" to add variety to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can confidently use "started" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began

A direct synonym, emphasizing the commencement of an action or event.

commenced

A more formal alternative to "started" or "began", often used in official or ceremonial contexts.

initiated

Implies a more deliberate or formal start, often suggesting the setting in motion of a process or project.

launched

Suggests a more energetic or public start, often used for projects, campaigns, or products.

got underway

An idiomatic expression meaning "started", often used for events or processes.

set in motion

Emphasizes the act of initiating a process or chain of events.

kicked off

An informal expression meaning "started", often used for events or activities.

arose

Suggests the beginning of a situation, problem, or opportunity.

originated

Indicates the point at which something began or was created.

was established

Highlights the formal beginning or creation of an organization, institution, or system.

FAQs

How do I use "started" in a sentence?

"Started" is the past tense of "start" and is used to indicate that an action or event began at some point in the past. For example, "He "started reading" a book yesterday".

What can I say instead of "started"?

You can use alternatives like "began", "commenced", or "initiated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "started" or "start" when referring to a past event?

When referring to a past event, "started" is correct. "Start" is the base form of the verb and is used in the present tense or with auxiliary verbs. For example: "Yesterday, the meeting "started" at 9 AM".

What's the difference between "started" and "beginning"?

"Started" is the past tense of the verb "start", indicating the commencement of an action. "Beginning" is a noun referring to the point at which something starts. For example: "The movie "started" late" versus "The "beginning" of the movie was interesting".