started in

USAGE SUMMARY

"started in" is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You would use it when you want to talk about when an event or activity began. For example, "The project started in April."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Work started in 2008.

The Economist

Classes started in January.

The New York Times

It started in 2004.

The New York Times

I started in 2000.

The New York Times

"We started in '65.

The New Yorker

chants started in earnest.

The New York Times - Sports

He started in November.

The New Yorker

Sales started in January.

The New York Times

He started in 2004.

The New Yorker

Started in the winter.

The New York Times

Seubert started in his place.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started in" to clearly indicate when something began, providing a specific year, month, or period for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "started in" when describing continuous actions that didn't have a definitive beginning. Use other phrases like "has been" or "developed over time" for such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started in" primarily functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, indicating the commencement or origin of an event, activity, or entity. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, affirming its role in specifying the beginning of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started in" serves to pinpoint the origin or commencement of an event, project, or entity, as confirmed by its frequent use across diverse sources in Ludwig. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, ensuring precise temporal or locational reference enhances clarity. As per Ludwig AI, the expression is both correct and broadly applicable, making it a reliable choice for indicating beginnings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began in

Focuses on the commencement of an event or activity with a slightly more formal tone.

originated in

Emphasizes the place or cause from which something arises or is initiated.

commenced in

A more formal synonym for "started in", often used in official or academic contexts.

initiated in

Highlights the act of setting something in motion or formally beginning a process.

was launched in

Specifically indicates the start of a product, project, or campaign.

took root in

Suggests a gradual development or establishment from a particular place or time.

dates back to

Indicates the historical origin or starting point of something.

emerged in

Suggests a gradual appearance or development in a specific location or time period.

has its roots in

Implies a deep connection to a particular origin or foundation.

was established in

Focuses on the formal creation or founding of an organization or institution.

FAQs

How do I use "started in" correctly in a sentence?

Use "started in" to specify the beginning of an event, project, or activity by indicating the specific time or location. For example, "The project "began in" 2020" or "The company "originated in" New York".

What are some alternatives to "started in" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""began in"", ""originated in"", "commenced in", or "initiated in".

Is there a difference between "started in" and "began in"?

While both phrases indicate the beginning of something, "began in" may sound slightly more formal than "started in". The choice between the two often depends on the context and the desired tone.

Can I use "started in" to refer to abstract concepts or only concrete events?

You can use "started in" for both abstract concepts and concrete events. For example, "The movement "took root in" the 1960s" (abstract) or "Construction commenced in 2007" (concrete).