started working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started working" is correct and commonly used in written English.
Example sentence: After graduating from college, Sarah started working at a local restaurant.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Finally, he started working again.

The New Yorker

Recently we've started working together.

Independent

"I started working harder.

The New York Times - Sports

He started working with a few producers.

The New York Times

"But he really started working the corners".

The New York Times - Sports

"Fortunately it started working," she added.

The New York Times - Sports

She started working there the next day.

The New York Times - Books

Then they started working with Mr. Siegel.

The New York Times

And her mother started working again.

The New York Times

Twitter started working again about 1 p.m.

The New York Times

She started working on more teeth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the start of a new job or project, consider using "started working" followed by details about the specific role or task to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "start working" without the past tense conjugation "-ed" when describing an action that began in the past. For example, it's correct to say "He "started working" yesterday", not "He start working yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started working" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of an action or state. It describes the beginning of employment, a task, or the functioning of a system, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started working" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that denotes the commencement of an action, typically related to employment or a specific task. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for a wide range of contexts, including news, professional communication, and everyday conversation. When using this phrase, ensure you select the correct tense and provide sufficient context to clarify the nature and scope of the work that has begun. Ludwig's examples provide ample illustration of its diverse applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began employment

Emphasizes the formal commencement of a job or position.

entered employment

Formally signifies beginning a period of paid work.

commenced work

Highlights the initiation of a task or project, often in a formal context.

set about working

Indicates a deliberate and intentional start to a task.

initiated labor

Focuses on the beginning of physical or manual work.

embarked on career

Focuses on starting a long-term professional path.

took up duties

Indicates the assumption of responsibilities or tasks, often in a professional setting.

assumed role

Highlights taking on a specific position with associated responsibilities.

launched operations

Suggests the start of a business or organizational activity.

got down to business

Emphasizes the serious and focused commencement of work.

FAQs

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

You can use "started working" to describe the beginning of employment or an activity, such as "She "started working" at the library last week" or "He "started working" on the project this morning".

What are some alternatives to saying "started working"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "began employment", "commenced work", or "took up duties" to convey a similar meaning. For instance, "She "began employment" at the firm" is a formal alternative.

Is it correct to say "start working" instead of "started working"?

No, "start working" is generally used in the present tense or as an infinitive. To describe an action that began in the past, use "started working". For example, "I will start working tomorrow", but "I "started working" yesterday".

What's the difference between "started working" and "has started working"?

"Started working" indicates a completed action in the past, while "has started working" indicates an action that began in the past and continues to the present or has relevance to the present. For example, "She "started working" last year" (implying it may or may not be continuing), but "She "has started working" and is now a valuable asset to the company" (implying she is still employed).