started to work towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to work towards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the initiation of efforts or actions aimed at achieving a specific goal or objective. Example: "After much consideration, she started to work towards her dream of becoming a doctor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"But this is a challenge we are ready for and now that the team has been put together, we have started to work towards creating a brighter future for the people of Salford and their families".

BBC

Researchers have started to work towards developing cross-cultural understandings of research ethics by examining research literacy and the informed consent process in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and Asia [ 5- 7, 9- 14].

BMC Medical Ethics

We have already started to work towards this goal by implementing our work programme for 2005: we are on track.

EU Parlament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"If the scientific community is expected to work via redacted papers and sharing of scientific information on a need-to-know basis in the future, then international governments better start to work towards systems to facilitate that.

The Guardian

Before the next generation of Great Britain hockey players start to work towards the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, the current crop are determined to end their campaign at the Riverbank Arena on a high note.

Independent

Planners are already starting to work towards this vision.

BBC

Although the mystery of how the brain works and grows is a massive puzzle to figure out, the hope is that piece by piece, we can start to work towards a better understanding.

Duke University

"I did call Jason when the squad was announced and explained that because we're getting close to when the age group changes, that we were starting to work towards including younger players.

BBC

These results are not surprising in the Singapore context, where nurses are starting to work towards attainment of degree qualifications.

BMC Health Services Research

Once you put everything into perspective (it's not the end of the world, you're still an individual, your family loves you) then you can start to work towards a better family life.

WikiHow

I just went wide open and started to work my way ­towards her, shooting all the time.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to work towards" to describe the initial phase of a project or when outlining the beginning of efforts aimed at a specific long-term goal. It effectively communicates the commencement of actions intended to yield future results.

Common error

Using "started to work towards" implies a significant effort or a complex process. For simpler tasks, opt for phrases like "began working on" or "started doing" for clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to work towards" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of efforts or actions directed toward achieving a specific goal or objective. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. The examples show its usage in various contexts, denoting the commencement of a process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started to work towards" is a grammatically sound and readily usable expression to describe the beginning of an action or effort directed at achieving a goal. Ludwig confirms its correctness. While not exceptionally common, appearing with "Uncommon" frequency across various sources, it finds utility across contexts like News, Science and Academia, signifying the initial steps in a process aimed at a specific outcome. When writing, consider that it is appropriate to use the phrase when describing long-term goals and complex tasks. Alternatives include "began striving for" or "initiated efforts to achieve" for variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began striving for

Replaces "started" with "began" and "work towards" with the more direct "striving for", indicating more proactive and intense effort.

initiated efforts to achieve

More formal, replacing the verb "work" with the noun "efforts" and using "achieve" instead of "work towards", conveying a deliberate commencement of action.

commenced working toward

Substitutes "started" with the more formal "commenced".

set about pursuing

Implies a more determined and methodical approach to the goal.

embarked on a path to

Conveys a sense of adventure and long-term commitment to the goal.

took steps toward

Indicates incremental progress, emphasizing actions rather than overall effort.

moved toward

Suggests a gradual shift in direction or focus towards the goal.

started aiming for

Highlights the target or desired outcome more directly.

began to advance toward

Emphasizes progression and forward movement.

undertook to realize

A very formal alternative, suggesting a commitment to bring something into being.

FAQs

How can I use "started to work towards" in a sentence?

Use "started to work towards" to indicate the beginning of an effort to achieve a specific goal. For example, "The team "started to work towards" the project deadline after the initial planning phase".

What are some alternatives to "started to work towards"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "began striving for", "initiated efforts to achieve", or "commenced working toward".

Is it correct to say "start to work towards"?

While grammatically correct, "start to work towards" might sound less natural than ""started to work towards"", which implies that the effort has already been initiated. The best option depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When should I use "started working towards" instead of "started to work towards"?

"Started working towards" emphasizes the continuous nature of the effort, whereas ""started to work towards"" highlights the initiation. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on the ongoing process or the commencement of the effort.