started the process

USAGE SUMMARY

"started the process" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the beginning of a longer action or procedure. For example, "John started the process of submitting the paperwork, and the rest of the team was in charge of completing the rest of the steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They've already started the process".

The Guardian - Business

We started the process in October.

The Guardian - Opinion

And we've already started the process.

The Washington Post

I had already started the process.

The Guardian - Money

But the Islanders appear to have already started the process.

The New York Times - Sports

I started the process of coming out a month later.

The Guardian

This could have started the process of turning things around".

The Guardian - Sport

For we have hardly started the process of change.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, we started the process and we've got to finish.

Yale University

Each week the participants started the process again.

Harvard Business Review

Clarkson started the process when he told his bosses at the BBC about the row.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "initiated" or "commenced" for a more formal tone, depending on your audience and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "started the process" without specifying what the process entails. Ambiguity can confuse readers. Clarify the exact nature of the process immediately after introducing the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started the process" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the initiation of a series of actions or steps. It is commonly used to describe the commencement of a procedure, task, or project. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started the process" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the beginning of a series of actions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate for various contexts, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. The analysis reveals that it is frequently used in news and media, as well as in academic and scientific writing. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the process being initiated and consider using synonyms like "initiated the procedure" or "began the undertaking" to add variety to your writing. Avoiding vagueness and defining the process precisely is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiated the procedure

Replaces "process" with "procedure", emphasizing a formal series of actions.

began the undertaking

Substitutes "started" with "began" and "process" with "undertaking", highlighting the commencement of a project.

commenced the activity

Uses "commenced" as a more formal synonym for "started" and "activity" for "process", focusing on the beginning of an action.

set in motion the wheels

Employs a metaphorical expression to indicate the start of a series of events.

kick-started the operation

Uses "kick-started" to convey a more energetic and informal start to an operation.

triggered the mechanism

Implies initiating a complex system or set of actions.

embarked on the course

Replaces "started" with "embarked", suggesting a journey or path has begun.

instigated the chain of events

Highlights the initiation of a sequence of occurrences.

set about the task

Focuses on the deliberate commencement of a specific task.

launched the initiative

Replaces "process" with initiative, emphasizing a plan or project that is being started

FAQs

How can I use "started the process" in a sentence?

You can use "started the process" to indicate the beginning of a series of actions. For example, "She "started the process" of applying for a loan by filling out the initial application form."

What are some alternatives to "started the process"?

Alternatives include phrases like "initiated the procedure", "began the undertaking", or "commenced the activity", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to say "started the process" or "began the process"?

Both ""started the process"" and "began the process" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, though "began" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "started the process" and "completed the process"?

"Started the process" indicates the beginning of a set of actions, while "completed the process" means that all the steps involved in that set of actions have been finished.