started work on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started work on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the beginning of a task, project, or job that someone has begun to undertake. Example: "She started work on the new marketing campaign last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Right now, one section is finished and Amiri has started work on a second.

Forbes

He started work on Feb. 4th.

The New Yorker

Hence Esperanto.He started work on it early.

The New Yorker

He has started work on another drama.

The Guardian

(The First Lady has already started work on hers).

The New Yorker

"He started work on our film a year ago today.

Independent

I started work on the book the next day.

The New York Times

Slash has started work on his second solo album.

Independent

You didn't know this before you started work on it?

The Guardian - Music

Professor Feldman started work on Aug. 29, 2001.

The New York Times

Last week, it started work on a pact with Malaysia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally using synonyms like "began working on" or "commenced work on" to avoid sounding repetitive.

Common error

Avoid using "started work on" when referring to continuous or ongoing efforts. This phrase is best used for the initial phase of a project, not for describing work that is already in progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started work on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an activity or project. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is both correct and versatile across different writing styles. For example, 'He started work on Feb. 4th.'

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started work on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate the beginning of an activity or project. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and versatility, as evidenced by its presence in numerous articles from reputable sources. While synonyms like "began working on" or "commenced work on" offer variety, "started work on" remains a straightforward and reliable choice. Remember to use it accurately for initial phases and to adapt your language to avoid repetitiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began working on

Replaces "started" with its synonym "began" while keeping the rest of the phrase intact. This results in a nearly identical meaning.

began to work on

Adds "to" before "work", slightly altering the verb structure but maintaining the core meaning.

commenced work on

Substitutes "started" with the more formal "commenced", indicating a formal tone.

initiated work on

Uses "initiated" instead of "started", suggesting a more deliberate or official beginning.

undertook work on

Replaces "started" with "undertook", implying a more serious or significant commitment to the work.

set about working on

Implies a determined or purposeful start to the work.

got down to working on

Suggests a determined start to the work, implying focus and intention.

launched into work on

Suggests an energetic or enthusiastic start to the work.

embarked on work on

Implies a beginning of a new adventure or journey.

pioneered work on

Indicates an innovative or ground breaking beginning of a certain project or activity

FAQs

How can I use "started work on" in a sentence?

You can use "started work on" to indicate the beginning of a task, project, or job. For example, "She started work on the new marketing campaign last week."

What are some alternatives to "started work on"?

Alternatives include "began working on", "commenced work on", or "initiated work on". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "started to work on" instead of "started work on"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "started work on" is more concise and commonly used. "Started to work on" can sometimes imply a gradual or less decisive beginning.

What's the difference between "started work on" and "finished work on"?

"Started work on" indicates the beginning of a project or task, while "finished work on" implies its completion. They are opposite in meaning and describe different stages of a project.