started like this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started like this" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe the beginning or opening of a story, conversation, or event. Example: The book started like this: "It was a dark and stormy night, the kind that sends chills down your spine and makes you want to stay curled up in bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"All great movements of the past started like this".

The New York Times

"But my dad started, like, this new Indian tradition.

The New Yorker

"Once you get started like this, your personality comes out," Edwards said.

The New York Times - Sports

It started like this: I sat on the couch, and Kai sat on the floor in front of the TV.

The New York Times - Magazine

THE SCRIPT The ad opens with the words "September 2002" and an announcer's voice: "It started like this".

The New York Times

Never in more than 60 years of Formula One racing has a season started like this one has, with seven different winners in the first seven races.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

I've started liking this chicken-feta dish, but it takes longer, so you have to have the time.

The New York Times - Magazine

We start like this.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It starts like this.

The Guardian - Music

They start like this.

The New Yorker

Your typical micronation [3] starts like this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started like this" to introduce a specific scenario, event, or story by immediately setting the stage for what followed.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "started like this", as it can make your writing repetitive. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started like this" functions as an introductory phrase, often used to set the scene or context for a narrative or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, as evidenced by numerous examples in various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

11%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started like this" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to introduce narratives or explain the genesis of events. Ludwig AI confirms this, and the examples highlight its versatility across various domains. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication, although it's most commonly found in news and media. To maintain engaging writing, avoid overuse and diversify sentence structure. Remember, effective use of ""started like this"" can greatly enhance the clarity and flow of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It all began with this

Highlights a specific initial event or action as the catalyst for what followed.

Began in this manner

Emphasizes the way something began, focusing on the method or style of commencement.

Initiated in this fashion

Highlights a more formal or structured beginning, suggesting a deliberate start.

Commenced in this way

Similar to 'initiated' but can also imply a gradual or natural start.

Unfolded in this manner

Suggests a progression or revealing of events from a particular starting point.

Emerged in this fashion

Implies something came into being or became known in a specific way from the start.

Originated in this style

Focuses on the stylistic beginnings, implying a unique or distinctive commencement.

The genesis was like this

Uses a more literary or formal tone, referring to the origin or creation in a particular way.

The outset was thus

A more formal and literary way to describe the beginning or initial stage.

It commenced thusly

Formal and somewhat archaic way of indicating how something began.

FAQs

How can I use "started like this" in a sentence?

You can use "started like this" to introduce a narrative or explain the beginning of an event. For example, "The project "started like this": with a simple idea and a lot of enthusiasm".

What are some alternatives to "started like this"?

Alternatives include "began in this manner", "initiated in this fashion", or "commenced in this way", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it all started like this"?

Yes, "it all "started like this"" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to introduce a story or explanation of how something began.

How does "started like this" differ from "began like this"?

"Started like this" and "began like this" are largely interchangeable. However, ""started like this"" may imply a more active or deliberate beginning, while "began like this" can be more neutral.