started using

USAGE SUMMARY

'started using' is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use 'started using' when you want to express the beginning of an activity or habit. For example: "He started using an alarm clock to wake up on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Have you started using it?

The Guardian - Books

So I started using it.

The New York Times - Books

I recently started using Twitter.

Princeton University

He started using crystal meth.

The Washington Post

The company also started using Pinterest.

The New York Times

I started using again in 2002.

The New York Times

So we started using fish gelatin.

The New York Times - Magazine

British police started using Tasers in 2003.

Independent

"Then the paintings started using photographs".

The New York Times - Arts

BitPesa, I started using in December.

The Guardian

Some have already started using these alternatives.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is needed, specify the context or reason why someone "started using" something to provide more clarity to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "started using" without context. Provide information on what was "started using", when it began, and if relevant, why it began. Vague usage can leave the reader confused about the subject and its significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started using" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an action or the adoption of a tool, method, or substance. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently observed across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

23%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started using" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that indicates the beginning of an action or the adoption of a new tool, method, or substance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent occurrence across varied sources, most commonly in news and media. While versatile, its clarity improves with context, specifying what, when, and why something was "started using". Alternatives such as "began to use" or "initiated the use of" may suit more formal contexts. Remember to avoid vague references and clarify the subject to enhance readability and comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to use

Changes "started" to "began", maintaining the same core meaning but with a slight variation in emphasis.

commenced usage of

Replaces "started using" with a more formal and slightly more verbose phrasing.

initiated the use of

Similar to "commenced usage", but uses "initiated" to convey a more deliberate start.

began employing

A more formal synonym for "started using", often used in professional or technical contexts.

adopted the practice of

Implies a more sustained and considered beginning of using something.

switched to using

Indicates a change from one method or item to another.

turned to using

Suggests that the act of starting to use something is a solution or alternative.

started to implement

Focuses on the implementation aspect of use, suggesting putting something into practice.

embraced the use of

Implies a willing and enthusiastic adoption of using something.

pioneered the use of

Suggests being the first to use something, adding a sense of innovation.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "started using"?

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

Is it grammatically correct to say "started using"?

Yes, "started using" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard verb tense construction in English, where "started" is the past tense of "start" and "using" is the present participle of "use".

How do I use "started using" in a sentence?

To use "started using" in a sentence, simply follow the structure: Subject + started using + object/activity. For example: "She started using a new software" or "They started using public transportation".

What's the difference between "started using" and "began using"?

The phrases "started using" and "began using" are largely interchangeable and have very similar meanings. "Began using" is slightly more formal, but in most contexts, they can be used interchangeably.