started at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning point of an event, time, or action. Example: "The meeting started at 10 AM sharp."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We started at zero".

The New York Times - Sports

It started at $3.85.

The New York Times

I started at the bottom.

Independent

The reading started at six.

The New Yorker

Humans started at least half.

The Economist

Each started at 7 p.m.

The New York Times

It all started at Hillsborough.

The Guardian - Sport

"I started at that branch".

The New Yorker

The race started at noon.

The New Yorker

Ronny Turiaf started at center.

The New York Times - Sports

Bidding started at $42,500.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started at", ensure the preposition clearly indicates the specific location, time, or level from which something began. For instance, "The meeting started at 9 AM" or "He started at the bottom rung of the ladder".

Common error

Avoid using "started on" when referring to a specific location or time. "Started at" is more appropriate. For example, use "The project started at the New York office" instead of "The project started on the New York office".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started at" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement or beginning of an event, process, or state from a specific point. It is frequently used to specify a time, location, or initial stage, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

21%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started at" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that indicates the commencement or origin of an action, event, or state from a specific point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across varied contexts, including news, science, and general communication. As highlighted by the Ludwig AI, "started at" is most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the preposition clearly specifies the starting point to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "began at" or "commenced at" can be used for stylistic variation, but the core meaning remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began from

Uses a different verb to express the beginning and emphasizes the point of origin with "from".

commenced from

Replaces "started" with a more formal synonym and slightly alters the preposition to indicate origin or beginning.

initiated from

Implies a formal beginning or launch, often used in project or process contexts.

was launched in

Focuses on the act of launching or initiating something, often used for products or campaigns.

arose from

Conveys a sense of something coming into existence or prominence from a particular cause or place.

originated in

Shifts focus to the place or source where something began, using "originated".

developed out of

Indicates a gradual emergence or evolution from a specific origin.

stemmed from

Suggests that something developed or arose from a particular source or starting point.

took off from

Suggests a beginning that involves growth or momentum from a specific starting point.

kicked off in

Provides a more informal way to describe the beginning, especially in events or projects.

FAQs

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

The phrase "started at" indicates the point of origin, time, or level from which something began. For example, "The class "began at" 8 AM", or "She "was employed at" the entry level position".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "started at"?

Alternatives include "began at", "commenced at", or "originated in" depending on the specific context. For example, instead of "The presentation started at 2 PM", you could say "The presentation "began at" 2 PM".

Is it correct to say "started on" instead of "started at"?

In most cases, "started at" is the more appropriate and grammatically correct choice when referring to a specific time, location, or level. "Started on" is generally used when discussing tasks or projects, not specific points in time or space.

What's the difference between "began at" and "started at"?

"Began at" and "started at" are largely interchangeable. "Began" is slightly more formal than "started", but they convey the same meaning of something commencing from a particular point. In most contexts, choosing between "began at" and "started at" is a matter of stylistic preference.