started immediately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started immediately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an action or event began without delay or at once. Example: "The meeting started immediately after everyone arrived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

War drums started immediately.

The New York Times

Rehabilitation started immediately.

The New York Times - Sports

Peugeot's problems started immediately.

The Guardian - Sport

My interrogation started immediately.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, the expansion started immediately.

The Guardian

The party push started immediately.

The Washington Post

But many projects could be started immediately.

The New York Times

"I would like to get started immediately".

The Guardian

The Yankees' offensive onslaught started immediately.

The New York Times - Sports

"The operation started immediately with firing.

The Guardian

Should treatment for vitamin b 12 deficiency be started immediately.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started immediately" to convey a sense of urgency or efficiency. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing that no time was wasted in beginning an action.

Common error

While "started immediately" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal documents. Consider stronger synonyms like "commenced without delay" or "initiated promptly" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started immediately" functions as a verb phrase complemented by an adverb, modifying the verb "started" to indicate the timing of the action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely applicable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started immediately" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates an action began without delay. As noted by Ludwig AI, its versatility allows for use across various contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain situations. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals that it is most prevalent in News & Media and Science, and authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ it. While effective in conveying immediacy, writers should be mindful of the tone and consider stronger synonyms when a more polished style is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began at once

Uses "at once" to emphasize the lack of delay, offering a slightly more formal tone.

commenced without delay

Replaces "started" with "commenced" and "immediately" with "without delay", increasing formality.

initiated promptly

Employs "initiated" and "promptly" for a more formal and precise tone.

launched instantly

Suggests a rapid and often forceful beginning, suitable for projects or campaigns.

kicked off right away

An informal phrase indicating a quick and enthusiastic start.

got underway swiftly

Implies a smooth and rapid beginning, often used in project management.

was set in motion rapidly

Emphasizes the speed and initiation of a process or event.

jumped into action without hesitation

Focuses on the decisiveness and speed of starting something.

took effect instantaneously

Highlights the immediate impact or result of a change or action.

proceeded forthwith

A highly formal and somewhat archaic way to express an immediate start.

FAQs

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

You can use "started immediately" to indicate that something began without any delay. For example, "The meeting "started immediately" after the announcement".

What are some alternatives to "started immediately"?

Alternatives include "began at once", "commenced without delay", or "initiated promptly", depending on the level of formality required.

Is it grammatically correct to say "started immediately"?

Yes, "started immediately" is grammatically correct. "Started" is a verb in the past tense, and "immediately" is an adverb modifying the verb.

What is the difference between "started immediately" and "began shortly"?

"Started immediately" implies no delay, while "began shortly" suggests a brief pause before the action commenced.