started my life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started my life" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of a significant change or new phase in one's life, often related to personal growth or major life events. Example: "Moving to a new city for college really started my life in a way I never expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

That's how I started my life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I started my life under Israeli siege and bombardment.

The Guardian - Opinion

A: I started my life as a journalist for the Daily Telegraph in Calcutta, India.

Cornell University

A: I started my life as an artist collaborating with batik artisans and master calligraphers, and now I'm collaborating with structural engineers and material scientists.

The Washington Post

"I started my life in the private sector and at some stage always hoped to return, I would now like to do so".

The Guardian

"Why is the measure of love loss?" And why from the scrappy hatching that started my life, have I been plagued with one long goodbye?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

On our trips away, she often took me to galleries; she started my life-long interest in art.

The Guardian - Arts

The first was Natalie Cole's Inseparable, which started my life-long love affair with soul music". At first Day dreamt of becoming a singer and dancer, "though I did write poetry and won some contests with my work as well as a scholarship," he adds.

HuffPost

It started my life-long interest in dolphins, and I was more than happy when I moved to Florida to be able to help in the rehab program of MARS (Marine Animal Rescue Society) based in the Florida Keys, where I was able to care for a stranded dolphin named Eclipse (as it appeared on an eclipse night).

Huffington Post

It kick-started my life again.

The Guardian

"To start my life".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure when using "started my life" to avoid repetition. For example, instead of saying "I started my life as a teacher", try "My life began with a career in teaching".

Common error

Be specific about what you mean by "life". Saying "I started my life" without context can be confusing. Instead, clarify the area of your life you're referring to, such as "I started my professional life" or "I started my new life in the city".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started my life" functions as an intransitive verb phrase indicating the commencement of one's existence or a significant phase within it. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in personal narratives and reflections.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started my life" is a commonly used phrase to denote the commencement of one's existence, career, or a significant phase. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news media, academic texts, and personal narratives. For clarity, it's crucial to specify the context—whether referring to a career, a new location, or a personal transformation. Consider alternatives like "began my journey" or "embarked on my adventure" for variety. Being specific and varying sentence structures will enhance clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began my existence

Emphasizes the commencement of being or living, focusing on the initial state.

commenced my journey

Highlights the beginning of a life's path or significant period, adding a sense of progression.

embarked on my life's adventure

Adds a sense of excitement and exploration to the start of life.

initiated my life story

Focuses on the narrative aspect of life, suggesting the beginning of a tale.

ushered in my lifetime

Formal and literary, indicating the introduction of one's period of existence.

saw the dawn of my life

Poetic and metaphorical, evoking the imagery of a new beginning.

entered into my life's chapter

Suggests a transition into a specific phase or period of life.

originated my living years

Focuses on the temporal aspect, highlighting the start of the years one has lived.

took my first steps in life

Highlights initial actions and experiences, suggesting the commencement of a journey.

inaugurated my life's course

Formal and emphasizes the establishment of a particular direction or path in life.

FAQs

How can I use "started my life" in a sentence?

You can use "started my life" to describe the beginning of a significant period or phase in your life. For example, "I "started my life" in Melbourne, but my mum died when I was four..."

What are some alternatives to "started my life"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "began my journey", "commenced my existence", or "embarked on my adventure".

Is it correct to say "started my life over"?

Yes, "started my life over" is a common expression used to describe making a fresh start after a significant change or challenge. For example, "I was going through a divorce and saw this as an opportunity to started my life over".

What's the difference between "started my life" and "began my life"?

While both phrases are similar, ""started my life"" often implies initiating a new phase or activity, whereas "began my life" is a more general reference to the commencement of one's existence. They are largely interchangeable but may carry slightly different connotations depending on the specific context.