started the meeting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started the meeting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the action of initiating a meeting or gathering. Example: "After everyone arrived, the manager started the meeting to discuss the quarterly results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Carter started the meeting by saying he wanted to find a way to get on better.

The New York Times

Ms. Conlin, however, started the meeting by quizzing Mr. Ford on his voting record and public statements.

The New York Times

"He started the meeting by saying: 'We want to have a real meeting, not a meeting in form.

The New York Times

Then, one of their executives started the meeting late, and I was forced to take their jet because I missed my flight and no other flights were available.

The New York Times

Outgoing Officers of the GSC started the meeting with a presentation on the achievements of the various committees over the past year.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Dr. Shirley Malcom, director of the Association for the Advancement of Science Education and Human Resources Programs, started the meeting with a discussion of "Stories and Statistics". "Clearly you need both," Dr. Vest commented.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Every month I meet with our group chair, Bill LaRosa, and we start the meeting with an assessment of what's going on.

The New York Times

Second, start the meeting on time.

The New York Times

It was not a good way to start the meeting," McKillen said.

The Guardian

Start the meeting by introducing yourself and your career background concisely.

The Guardian

The audience of 110 investors and employees clapped very quietly when Patricia Dunn, the chairwoman, stood up to start the meeting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started the meeting", ensure the context is clear by specifying who initiated the meeting and any initial actions taken.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect tenses when describing when the meeting began. For example, do not say "he start the meeting"; instead, use "he started the meeting" or "he starts the meeting" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started the meeting" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a formal or informal gathering. As shown by Ludwig, it's commonly used in various contexts to describe the commencement of discussions or activities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started the meeting" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the beginning of a meeting. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and business. To enhance clarity, specify who started the meeting and their initial actions. Consider synonyms like "initiated" or "commenced" for a more formal tone, or "kicked off" for an informal feel. Remember to avoid incorrect verb tenses. This phrase's versatility makes it a valuable asset in both professional and casual communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiated the meeting

Formal synonym, implies a structured beginning.

commenced the meeting

Synonymous with 'started', slightly more formal.

began the meeting

Direct synonym, interchangeable in most contexts.

opened the meeting

Implies a formal initiation, suitable for structured gatherings.

kicked off the meeting

Informal, suggests an energetic or prompt beginning.

got the meeting underway

Implies initiating progress or momentum in the meeting.

launched the meeting

Suggests a formal start, emphasizing purpose and direction.

presided over the meeting's start

Highlights leadership role in beginning the meeting.

set the meeting in motion

Emphasizes the action of beginning and getting things moving.

called the meeting to order

Formal, often used in structured or parliamentary procedures.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "started the meeting"?

You can use alternatives like "initiated the meeting", "commenced the meeting", or "began the meeting" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "begin the meeting" instead of "started the meeting"?

While "started the meeting" is grammatically correct, "begin the meeting" can be used when referring to an action that will happen in the future or generally happens, or you can use "began the meeting" for past tense.

How to use "started the meeting" in a sentence?

You can use "started the meeting" to describe the action of beginning a meeting. For example, "The chairman started the meeting with a welcome address."

What's the difference between "started the meeting" and "held the meeting"?

"Started the meeting" refers to the act of beginning the meeting. "Held the meeting" indicates that someone organized or was in charge of the meeting.