started back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something has begun to return to a previous location or position. Example: "After realizing they were lost, they started back towards the last landmark they remembered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

I started back.

The New York Times - Sports

Mickey started back.

The New Yorker

"It started back in college.

The New York Times

N.B.: It started back in Israel.

The New Yorker

Then she started back down the hill.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then it started back again.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But it started back in October".

The New York Times

He asked them to line up and started backing away.

The New Yorker

Other local firms have started backing individual drivers.

The Economist

We started backing up.

Los Angeles Times

I slowly started backing away.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started back", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being returned to. For instance, "After the rain stopped, we started back towards the camp" is more precise than simply saying, "We started back".

Common error

Avoid using "started back" without specifying the destination or activity being resumed. This can lead to ambiguity and confuse the reader. For example, instead of saying "He started back", clarify with "He "started back to work"" or "He "started back home"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started back" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of the predicate in a sentence. It indicates the initiation of a return journey or the resumption of an activity. As shown in Ludwig, it frequently follows a subject and often includes a prepositional phrase or adverb to clarify the direction or context of the return.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started back" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase indicating a return to a previous location, state, or activity. As affirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and applicable across various writing styles, though clarity benefits from specifying the destination or activity being resumed. Its common usage in News & Media and Science contexts, its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse audiences. While alternatives like "returned", "resumed", and "went back" exist, "started back" remains a clear and effective choice in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went back

A more casual way to express returning to a place or activity.

headed back

Implies a direction of travel back towards a specific point.

returned

Indicates a simple return to a previous state or location.

turned back

Suggests reversing direction after progressing forward.

resumed

Focuses on the continuation of an activity or process after an interruption.

began again

Highlights the restarting of an activity without specifying direction.

recommenced

A more formal synonym for 'resumed', often used in official contexts.

picked up again

Suggests restarting something after a pause, often an ongoing task.

reverted

Implies a return to a former condition or practice.

retraced steps

Describes going back exactly the way one came.

FAQs

What does "started back" mean?

The phrase "started back" generally means to begin returning to a place or resuming an activity. The precise meaning depends on the context in which it's used.

When is it appropriate to use "started back" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to indicate a return to a previous location, activity, or state. For example, "After the meeting, they "started back to the office"" or "He "started back exercising" after his injury".

What are some alternatives to "started back"?

Alternatives include "returned", "resumed", "went back", "headed back", and "turned back". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "started back" formal or informal?

The phrase "started back" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "recommenced" may be preferable in highly formal writing.