started by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the initiation of an action or process by a specific person or entity. Example: "The project was started by the lead engineer last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It all started by accident.

The New York Times

"I started by telling cabdrivers," she said.

The New York Times

Started by the entrepreneur Reed Hastings.

The New York Times

They started by conducting a thorough diagnosis.

The Economist

The educational expansion started by Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lago started by thanking the academy.

The New York Times

It was arguably started by Russian investors.

The Economist

We started by eliminating the naptime feeding.

The New York Times

Both started by playing walking suitcases.

The New Yorker

"It all started by chance," he said.

The New Yorker

She started by exploring Cambridgeshire back roads.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started by", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what initiated the action. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "started by" in overly passive constructions where the actor is obscured. While grammatically correct, it can weaken your writing. Instead, try to phrase the sentence actively to emphasize who or what initiated the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started by" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the agent or cause that initiated an action or process. As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly identifies the initiator. For example, Ludwig shows, "Netflix was started by the entrepreneur Reed Hastings."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the initiator of an action or process. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various domains. While its register is generally neutral, leaning towards informal, more formal alternatives like "initiated by" or "commenced by" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. When using "started by", ensure the context clearly identifies the initiator and avoid overly passive constructions. Its prevalence in news and media sources underscores its common usage in contemporary writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiated by

Formal synonym, emphasizing the act of beginning or setting in motion.

begun by

Highlights the commencement or initiation, often implying a process.

commenced by

A more formal term for starting, often used in official or legal contexts.

originated by

Focuses on the point of origin or creation.

established by

Emphasizes the founding or setting up of something.

founded by

Implies the creation of an organization or institution.

created by

Highlights the act of bringing something into existence.

launched by

Suggests the beginning of a project or venture with fanfare.

instigated by

Implies that something was started because of an incitement.

pioneered by

Suggests an innovative or groundbreaking beginning.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "started by"?

You can use alternatives like "initiated by", "begun by", or "commenced by" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "started by" or "initiated by"?

"Started by" is more common and informal, while "initiated by" is more formal. Choose the one that best fits the tone and audience of your writing.

How can I make my sentences with "started by" more active?

Try to rephrase the sentence to emphasize the actor. For example, instead of "The project was started by the team", you could say "The team started the project".

Can "started by" be used in academic writing?

Yes, "started by" can be used in academic writing, but be mindful of the tone. In some cases, a more formal alternative like "commenced by" or "initiated by" might be more appropriate.