started long ago

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started long ago" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an action or event began a significant time in the past. Example: "The project we are working on started long ago, and its roots can be traced back to the early 2000s."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

It started long ago.

The New York Times

But Parente also says the transformation started long ago.

The New York Times - Sports

Curiosity about life on Mars started long ago.

The Guardian

For Emwazi, this started long ago with efforts to travel to Somalia to join Al Shabaab.

Independent

Postmodernists take note: the outrageous mixing of high, low and mass culture started long ago in show business.

The New York Times

"If people are really concerned about exploitation of resources, they should have started long ago to raise this issue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

We're in the midst of a great cultural smudging, one that started long ago--and has no end in sight.

Huffington Post

Some players have been surprised that Pujols's walk-a-thon did not start long ago.

The New York Times - Sports

For some it might have started long, long ago, when three of the more hopeful public figures of the 20th century, President Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr were assassinated between 1963 and 1968.

Huffington Post

In truth, their relationship started not long ago.

The New York Times

It started so long ago that Calipari has held five jobs since.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started long ago", ensure the context clearly establishes what "long ago" refers to. Providing a specific timeframe or historical reference can enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "started long ago" in extremely casual conversations where simpler phrases like "started a while back" might be more appropriate. Consider your audience and the level of formality required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started long ago" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the time at which an action or event began. It suggests that the commencement occurred in the distant past. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started long ago" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something began in the distant past. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with science and formal business writing also employing the phrase. When using "started long ago", ensure that the context clearly establishes the timeframe, and consider alternative phrasing for different levels of formality. The phrase serves to add temporal depth and context to a discussion, emphasizing how far back something originated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began a long time ago

Uses a more common verb, 'began', in place of 'started', providing a more general alternative.

originated in the distant past

Emphasizes the historical aspect and the significant time elapsed since the beginning.

has its roots in antiquity

Highlights ancient origins, implying a deep historical connection.

dates back to ancient times

Specifically refers to a historical period, indicating when the beginning occurred.

was initiated ages ago

Uses 'initiated' to suggest a formal beginning, with 'ages ago' emphasizing the duration.

commenced in bygone eras

Emphasizes the oldness of the starting point, using more formal language.

was established in former times

Focuses on the establishment or creation of something, using a slightly more formal tone.

first emerged in the olden days

Suggests an initial appearance or development during a past era.

has been around for centuries

Quantifies the duration, specifying that it has existed for multiple centuries.

has existed since time immemorial

Indicates an origin so distant that it is beyond memory or record.

FAQs

What does "started long ago" mean?

The phrase "started long ago" means that something began at a point significantly in the past. The duration implied by "long ago" is relative to the context.

What are some alternatives to "started long ago"?

You can use alternatives like "began a long time ago", "originated in the distant past", or "dates back to ancient times" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "started long ago" formal or informal?

The phrase "started long ago" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal options like "commenced in bygone eras" may be preferred in highly formal writing.

How can I use "started long ago" in a sentence?

You can use "started long ago" to describe the beginning of a process, tradition, or conflict, such as: "The tradition of celebrating this holiday started long ago", or "The conflict between the two nations started long ago".