started a campaign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started a campaign" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a person or group's efforts to bring about some sort of change. For example, "After witnessing the injustices of the criminal justice system, she started a campaign to reform it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I hear you've started a campaign," he said.

Independent

Someone started a campaign on Facebook to legalize vinegar.

The New York Times

Now residents have started a campaign against the plans.

The Guardian

Mr. Cesar has started a campaign to secede from Southeast.

The New York Times

Eastman Kodak just started a campaign to do the same.

The New York Times

CMS has started a campaign to identify the future sensor technology baseline for the Tracker Upgrade Phase II.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

This newspaper has started a campaign for the UK to welcome a fair share of refugees.

Independent

So two years ago, the Johnsons did what many dog owners do: they started a campaign.

The New York Times - Sports

In October, 2006, Amini and Sadr started a campaign called Stop Stoning Forever.

The New Yorker

He started a campaign on Kickstarter.com, where he raised about $120,000.

The New York Times

Anonymous, the Internet's freelance militia, has started a campaign aimed at Assad.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this expression when initiating a focused effort, not just a one-time action. It implies sustained activity.

Common error

Ensure the "campaign" has a clear purpose. Saying someone "started a campaign" without specifying its aim can leave your audience confused and disinterested.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started a campaign" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a planned series of actions intended to achieve a specific objective. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started a campaign" is a grammatically sound and common way to describe the initiation of an organized effort aimed at achieving a specific goal. As Ludwig AI indicates, the expression is widely accepted in English. It frequently appears in news and media contexts, indicating its broad relevance across various topics. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to clearly state the objectives of the campaign to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "launched an initiative" or "initiated a movement" to introduce subtle changes in emphasis or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

launched an initiative

Focuses on the formal introduction of a new project or plan, slightly more structured than "campaign".

initiated a movement

Suggests a broader, more socially driven effort than a "campaign".

spearheaded an effort

Emphasizes leadership and being at the forefront of the undertaking.

undertook a drive

Implies a focused and energetic effort toward a specific goal.

organized a push

Highlights the structured and coordinated nature of the effort.

mounted an offensive

Uses military metaphor, implying a strong and assertive approach.

inaugurated a program

More formal, suggests the beginning of an official or institutional project.

set in motion a plan

Highlights the activation of a pre-arranged strategy.

established a crusade

Conveys a sense of moral conviction and passionate advocacy.

commenced a project

A more general term for beginning a specific undertaking.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "launched an initiative", "initiated a movement", or "spearheaded an effort" depending on the context.

How do I use "started a campaign" in a sentence?

The phrase "started a campaign" is typically followed by a prepositional phrase that explains the purpose or focus of the campaign. For example, "She started a campaign for environmental protection".

What's the difference between "started a campaign" and "launched a campaign"?

While similar, "started a campaign" may imply a more grassroots or informal beginning, while "launched a campaign" often suggests a more formal and publicized initiation.

Is it better to say "started a campaign" or "began a campaign"?

"Started a campaign" is generally more common and natural-sounding in contemporary English than "began a campaign". However, both are grammatically correct and understandable.