started a band

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started a band" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of forming a musical group with other musicians. Example: "After months of practicing together, we finally started a band and booked our first gig."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I started a band.

The Guardian - Music

She told him he'd started a band.

The Guardian - Music

I've started a band here, Arun and the Vox.

The Guardian - Music

Meanwhile, Rod Stewart's great-great-grandson has started a band called the Mock Kale Caesars.

The New Yorker

Andrews started a band called Orleans Avenue, with Batiste on keys.

The New Yorker

The two started a band, the Neon Boys, and changed their names.

The New York Times - Books

During a teenage punk-goth phase, she started a band, The Toxic Cockroaches.

Independent

He started a band called Son Volt and put out the highly regarded "Trace".

The New Yorker

Platonic friends at the time, they started a band together in 1997 called Boo Boo's Lounge.

The New York Times - Style

In high school, he played clarinet and saxophone and started a band called the Quarternotes.

The New York Times

Jagger and Richards started a band and called it, at first, Little Boy Blue and the Blue Boys.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "started a band", ensure that the context clearly indicates the formation of a musical group. Provide details about the band's genre, purpose, or initial goals to give more context.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect tenses when discussing the band's formation. Ensure that the tense aligns with the timeframe you are describing. For example, do not use 'starting a band' when you mean to say 'started a band' in the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started a band" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of forming a musical group. Ludwig examples show it used in past tense to narrate how bands came to be.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started a band" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the formation of a musical group. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely employed in news media, encyclopedias and wiki articles. For alternatives, consider using phrases such as "formed a band" or "created a band", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Understanding the correct tense and avoiding overly informal alternatives will ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began a band

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way of saying "started a band", focusing on the commencement of the activity.

formed a band

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing "started" with "formed" while retaining the core meaning of creating a musical group.

created a band

This alternative emphasizes the act of bringing a band into existence, focusing on the creation aspect.

launched a band

This alternative suggests a more formal or public introduction of the band, similar to launching a product.

founded a band

This alternative implies a more deliberate and long-term establishment of the band.

established a band

This alternative emphasizes the setting up or solidifying of the band's existence.

put together a band

This alternative focuses on the act of assembling the members and elements required to form a band.

assembled a band

Similar to 'put together a band', this highlights the gathering and organizing of musicians.

organized a band

This alternative focuses on the structural and logistical aspects of forming a band.

initiated a band

This alternative suggests a more formal or planned beginning to the band's formation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "started a band"?

You can use alternatives like "formed a band", "created a band", or "launched a band" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "started up a band"?

While "started a band" is more common and grammatically straightforward, "started up a band" is acceptable in informal contexts. However, "started a band" is generally preferred for clarity and conciseness.

What's the difference between "started a band" and "joined a band"?

"Started a band" implies forming a new musical group, while "joined a band" means becoming a member of an already existing musical group.

How to use "started a band" in a sentence?

You can use "started a band" in sentences like, "After years of playing individually, they started a band together" or "He started a band in high school that eventually became famous."