started with

USAGE SUMMARY

"started with" is a valid part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase when speaking about something that is beginning, usually followed by an action or event. For example, "The project started with an analysis of the current market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He started with Republicans.

The New Yorker

He started with shoelaces.

The New York Times - Sports

"It started with metal.

The New York Times

That started with Sanchez.

The New York Times - Sports

He started with nothing.

Forbes

I started with cartoons.

The New York Times

It started with Vietnam.

Independent

This started with Nureyev.

The New Yorker

It started with bedtime.

The New Yorker

Should've started with yours".

The New York Times

I started with cannabis.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started with" to clearly indicate the initial action or element in a sequence or process. This helps to provide a clear understanding of how something began or developed.

Common error

Avoid only mentioning what "started with" without providing the subsequent steps or outcomes. Ensure the context provides a complete picture of the development or progression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started with" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating the commencement or initial stage of an event, process, or series of actions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started with" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate the beginning of a sequence, process, or event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, including news, business, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "began with" and "commenced with" exist, "started with" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication needs. Remember to use it to clearly establish the initial action or element while providing sufficient context for a comprehensive understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began with

Replaces "started" with its direct synonym "began", keeping the preposition "with" unchanged.

commenced with

Uses a more formal synonym "commenced" for "started", indicating a formal beginning.

initiated with

Employs "initiated" as a synonym for "started", implying the beginning of a process or project.

originated with

Substitutes "started" with "originated", emphasizing the source or origin of something.

was launched with

Replaces "started" with "was launched", often used in the context of projects, products, or initiatives.

kicked off with

Uses a more informal, idiomatic expression "kicked off" instead of "started".

opened with

Employs "opened" instead of "started", often used when referring to events or performances.

stemmed from

Uses "stemmed from" to indicate the origin or cause, instead of the beginning.

arose from

Substitutes "started" with "arose from", indicating the emergence or development from a specific point.

derived from

Uses "derived from" to emphasize the source from which something originated or was obtained.

FAQs

How can I use "started with" in a sentence?

The phrase "started with" is used to indicate the beginning of an action, process, or event. For example, "The project "started with" a detailed analysis of the current market trends."

What are some alternatives to "started with"?

Some alternatives include "began with", "commenced with", or "initiated with". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "started with" and "began with"?

While "started with" and "began with" are often interchangeable, "began with" might be perceived as slightly more formal. However, in most contexts, they carry the same meaning.

What's the difference between "started with" and "ended with"?

"Started with" indicates the initial point or action, while "ended with" refers to the concluding point or action. They are used to describe the beginning and end of a sequence or process.