started a company

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started a company" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "He started a company two years ago and it has been successful ever since."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I started a company".

The New York Times

He started a company!

Yale University

They started a company called Solazyme.

The New York Times

They recently started a company based on their innovation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In 1984, the couple started a company reselling medical supplies.

The New York Times

After that, I started a company that wholesaled mobile phones.

The New York Times

In 1995, they started a company called Brick Wall Management.

The New Yorker

He later started a company selling biology supplies.

The New York Times

They started a company selling party props in 1987.

The Guardian - Opinion

She has just started a company called Hornbacher & Company Graphics.

The New Yorker

I started a company, MAG Innovision, to sell computer monitors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started a company", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of company or business being referred to. This helps provide clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions like "A company was started by him". Instead, opt for the active voice: "He started a company", which is more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started a company" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a business or enterprise. It describes the action of initiating a company's existence. Ludwig examples show its widespread use in describing entrepreneurial activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started a company" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that describes the act of beginning a business. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "founded a business" or "launched a startup" exist, "started a company" remains a versatile and commonly understood way to convey entrepreneurial action. Remember to use active voice and provide context for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Founded a business

This alternative emphasizes the act of establishing a business, often highlighting the initial creation.

Launched a startup

This phrase focuses on the beginning of a new, often tech-related, venture.

Established a firm

This option conveys a sense of creating a more formal and structured business entity.

Began a venture

This emphasizes the entrepreneurial aspect and risk-taking involved in starting a new business.

Created an enterprise

This suggests building a larger, more complex organization.

Initiated a company

This formal phrasing highlights the formal process of commencing a company.

Commenced a business

A more formal option that indicates the start of business operations.

Pioneered a corporation

Suggests innovation and being among the first to establish a significant business.

Originated a company

Focuses on being the originator or creator of the company.

Set up a company

A more informal alternative, common in British English, referring to the act of organizing and establishing a company.

FAQs

What's the difference between "started a company" and "founded a company"?

While both phrases are similar, "started a company" is more general, while "founded a company" often implies a more significant or innovative establishment. You can use "founded a business" or "established a firm" as well.

How can I use "started a company" in a sentence?

You can use "started a company" to describe the act of beginning a new business venture, for example: "After years of working in the industry, she started a company of her own".

What are some alternatives to "started a company"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "launched a startup", "established a firm", or "began a venture".

Is it correct to say "started up a company" instead of "started a company"?

"Started up a company" is more informal. While acceptable in casual conversation, "started a company" is generally preferred in formal or professional writing.