started a call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started a call" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initiation of a phone call or video call with someone. Example: "I started a call with my colleague to discuss the project updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

One male protest leader then started a call and response with the group, addressing Pelosi directly and pointing his finger at her: "Congresswoman Pelosi!

The Washington Post

BASF has also started a call centre in Indore which caters to farmers like Rajput, who are now well acquainted with the Samruddhi techniques and do not require daily guidance.

Forbes

I want to go somewHere wasre n'tone knows who Per Ulrich Karpf is, so I can figure that out for myself".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

At one point, a short brunette with boxed shoulders and a wiry man with a Navy cap started a call-and-response.

The New Yorker

Senator Tom Carper of Delaware started a call-and-response chant using lyrics from the Donna Summer song "She Works Hard for the Money" at a Clinton rally in Wilmington.

The New York Times

In Utah, students started a call-in campaign and held a sit-down vigil to draw the attention of Senator Orrin G. Hatch, a Republican who was one of the first sponsors of the student bill nearly a decade ago, but has not made clear how he will vote this time.

The New York Times

To send a message or start a call, use the SendMessageDirect and MakePhoneCallDirect blocks, respectively.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2. The handset is lifted to start a call.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

Start a call and it goes full-screen.

TechCrunch

If you hit the button, you will start a call.

TechCrunch

The demo shows how users can start a call from their Firefox browser.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the initiation of a phone conversation, consider the context. Use "started a call" for general situations. For more formal situations, "initiated a call" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "started a call" excessively in highly formal or technical documents. Opt for more precise language like "initiated a connection" or "established communication" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started a call" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a phone or video call. It describes the action of beginning a communication session. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, from casual conversation to technical documentation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started a call" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the act of initiating a phone or video call. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides examples across various contexts, including news, academic texts, and wikis. While generally neutral in register, more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "initiated a call". The frequency of "started a call" is classified as uncommon, indicating its consistent presence but not overwhelming prevalence in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiated a phone call

Uses a more formal verb ("initiated") and specifies the type of call ("phone call").

began a conversation by phone

Emphasizes the start of a conversation and the medium used (phone).

placed a call

Focuses on the action of making a call, often used in a professional context.

made a phone call

A more general way of saying that someone called.

dialed a number

Highlights the action of dialing, focusing on the mechanics of calling.

rang someone up

An informal, slightly old-fashioned way of saying that someone called.

gave someone a ring

An informal way to say someone called.

connected via phone

Focuses on the connection established.

established a call

Formal, emphasizes the setup of the call.

commenced a call

Very formal and less common than "started a call".

FAQs

What is another way to say "started a call"?

You can use alternatives like "initiated a call", "began a call", or "placed a call" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "started a call"?

Yes, "started a call" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig.

When should I use "initiated a call" instead of "started a call"?

"Initiated a call" is a more formal alternative and may be preferable in professional or official communications compared to the more general "started a call".

What does "started a call" mean?

The phrase "started a call" refers to the act of beginning a telephone or video conversation with someone. It indicates the commencement of communication via a call.