started meeting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started meeting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of a series of meetings or gatherings, often in a professional or organizational context. Example: "We started meeting every Tuesday to discuss project updates and progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then he started meeting celebrities.

Independent

"I started meeting these young designers.

The Guardian

We started meeting up every three days.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They talked for hours, then started meeting once a week.

The New York Times - Sports

They started meeting at each other's houses, having informal rehearsals.

The Guardian - Opinion

But then he and Jeffries started meeting regularly.

The New Yorker

I started meeting the designers when I was 14 or 15.

The New York Times

She started meeting the black-coated Hutterites in their truck to buy chickens and eggs.

The New Yorker

She then started meeting with doctors to discuss surgery, which has now been completed.

Independent

Gaspard decided to recruit those women, and she started meeting with their leaders.

The New Yorker

"So we started meeting at my house in Camden," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "started meeting" with a specific frequency or purpose to provide more context. For example, "They started meeting weekly to discuss the project progress" offers more information than just "They started meeting".

Common error

Avoid using "started to meeting"; the correct form is "started meeting" or "started to meet". The latter is used when you want to emphasize the beginning of the action, while the former is more concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started meeting" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a series of meetings or gatherings. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show the phrase used to describe the beginning of regular interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started meeting" is a grammatically sound and versatile verb phrase used to indicate the commencement of a series of meetings. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While maintaining a neutral register, it serves to inform or describe the beginning of regular interactions. Related alternatives include "began meeting" and "initiated meetings". The guidance emphasizes correct tense usage and specifies how to add context for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began meeting

Replaces "started" with "began", a synonym indicating the commencement of an action.

began to meet

Adds "to" to "began meet", creating a slightly different verb structure while retaining the core meaning.

initiated meetings

Uses "initiated" instead of "started", emphasizing the act of setting meetings in motion.

commenced meeting

Substitutes "started" with "commenced", a more formal term for beginning.

launched meetings

Substitutes "started" with "launched", a dynamic term indicating the commencement of meetings.

convened meetings

Uses "convened" to emphasize the formal calling together of a group for meetings.

started to gather

Replaces "meeting" with "gather", broadening the context to any form of assembly.

started assembling

Uses "assembling" instead of "meeting", highlighting the act of people coming together.

inaugurated meetings

Replaces "started" with "inaugurated", a formal term often used for the beginning of official events.

set up meetings

Focuses on the arrangement and organization of meetings, rather than just their start.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "started meeting" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "commenced meeting", "initiated meetings", or "convened meetings". These options add a level of formality suitable for professional or official contexts.

Is there a difference between "started meeting" and "started to meet"?

Both "started meeting" and "started to meet" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Started meeting" implies a continuous action or series of meetings, while "started to meet" emphasizes the initial action of beginning to meet. The choice depends on the intended emphasis.

What are some alternatives to "started meeting" for informal situations?

In informal settings, consider using phrases like "began to meet", "started hanging out", or "started getting together". These options provide a more relaxed and casual tone.

How to specify the purpose of why someone "started meeting"?

To specify the purpose, add a phrase that explains the reason for the meetings. For example, "They started meeting to discuss project updates", or "We started meeting in order to plan the event". Adding this context clarifies the intention behind the meetings.