started the year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started the year" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of a new year or to describe an event or action that took place at the start of the year. Example: "We started the year with a team retreat to set our goals for the upcoming months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's how everyone started the year.

The New York Times

"That's why he started the year.

The New York Times - Sports

Many markets started the year strongly.

The New York Times

The preparations started the year before.

The Guardian

Rates started the year at 5.5%.

The Guardian - Business

"We started the year with six central defenders here.

Independent

Her headache started the year before, when she was pregnant.

The New York Times

"Especially considering the way they started the year off.

The New York Times - Sports

"When I started the year, I was swinging very well.

The New York Times - Sports

Bonds that started the year with the highest yields had most scope for capital gains.

The Economist

It started the year with guidance as high as 3.9 percent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started the year", clearly specify what action or event commenced at the beginning of the year to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "They started the year well" without explaining what "well" means. Provide specific details about the accomplishments or progress made to make the statement more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started the year" functions as a verbal phrase that typically introduces an action, event, or state that commenced at the beginning of a calendar year. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Sports

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Science

7%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started the year" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote the beginning of a calendar year and the actions or events that occurred at that time. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and broad applicability. Its neutrality allows for use across diverse contexts, including news, business, and personal narratives. While the phrase itself is straightforward, providing specific details following "started the year" enhances clarity and impact. Alternatives like "began the year" or "kicked off the year" can add subtle variations in tone. Remember to follow best practices for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began the year

Replaces "started" with "began", a synonym with a slightly more formal tone.

kicked off the year

Uses "kicked off" to convey a sense of initiation or commencement of the year.

commenced the year

A more formal alternative using "commenced" instead of "started".

initiated the year

Implies a deliberate beginning or launch of the year with specific actions.

opened the year

Uses "opened" to suggest the beginning or unveiling of the year's activities.

inaugurated the year

Similar to initiated, but often used in more formal or ceremonial contexts.

the year began

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the year as the subject, rather than an actor starting it.

the year commenced

A passive construction emphasizing the year's commencement.

entered the year

Conveys a sense of moving into the year, focusing on transition.

the start of the year

Shifts the focus to the starting point rather than the action of starting.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "started the year" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "commenced the year", "initiated the year", or "inaugurated the year". These options add a level of sophistication suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What's a more casual alternative to "started the year"?

If you're aiming for a less formal tone, consider using "kicked off the year" or "opened the year". These options are more conversational and suitable for informal settings.

How do I use "started the year" effectively in a sentence?

To use "started the year" effectively, follow it with a specific action or event. For example, "We "started the year" with a team-building retreat" or "The company "started the year" with a new product launch".

Is it correct to say "the year was started by" instead of "started the year"?

While grammatically correct, "the year was started by" is less common and can sound awkward. It's generally better to use the active voice: ""started the year"". For example: "The project team "started the year" by outlining goals and deliverables.