started working on

USAGE SUMMARY

"started working on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English; it is often used when referring to beginning to work on a project or task.
Example sentence: After the meeting finished, the team started working on the new project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We started working on one idea after another.

The Guardian

She started working on more teeth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fischetti, undeterred, started working on two tracks.

The New Yorker

She started working on her makeup again.

The New Yorker

Mr. Thompson started working on Monday.

The New York Times

So he started working on a memoir.

The New Yorker

I started working on it over four years ago.

The New York Times

Then I started working on Sunday afternoons.

The Guardian

"We started working on it immediately," the official said.

The New York Times - Science

So he started working on a way to help.

The New York Times

D'Angelo started working on new songs soon after "Voodoo".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started working on", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject began working on. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions with "started working on". For example, instead of "The project was started working on by the team", write "The team started working on the project" for a clearer and more direct sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started working on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an activity or task. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a common and acceptable expression. Examples show its use in varied contexts, from academic projects to business ventures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started working on" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to denote the commencement of effort towards a task. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across a spectrum of contexts. While versatile, it's best practice to specify what one has begun working on to avoid ambiguity. As exemplified by Ludwig's numerous examples, this phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal settings, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began work on

Focuses on the commencement of work, emphasizing the initial action.

commenced work on

Highlights the formal initiation of work on something.

initiated efforts toward

Emphasizes the start of a planned or organized effort.

undertook to develop

Indicates a formal agreement to develop something.

set about developing

Focuses on beginning the process of development.

embarked on the task of

Highlights the beginning of a challenging or significant task.

took up the task of

Indicates the assumption of a task or responsibility.

launched into

Suggests a vigorous or enthusiastic start to a task.

pioneered development of

Emphasizes the innovative aspect of starting work.

broke ground on

Implies an early stage in the commencement of a project, especially in construction or development.

FAQs

How to use "started working on" in a sentence?

Use "started working on" to indicate the beginning of effort towards a task or project. For example, "She started working on her thesis" or "The team started working on the new marketing campaign".

What can I say instead of "started working on"?

You can use alternatives like "began work on", "commenced work on", or "initiated efforts toward" depending on the context.

Is "started working on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "started working on" is a grammatically correct phrase in English. It follows the standard verb tense and preposition usage.

What is the difference between "started working on" and "began to work on"?

"Started working on" implies a direct initiation of effort, while "began to work on" may suggest a more gradual start. The difference is subtle, and they are often interchangeable.