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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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started works

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started works" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey the initiation of projects or tasks, but it is not a commonly used expression. Example: "The team started works on the new project last week."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This organization that Mariska started works to heal, educate and empower victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Finally, he started working again.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I started work in property.

News & Media

Independent

We started work.

News & Media

The Guardian

"I started working harder.

Twitter started working again about 1 p.m.

News & Media

The New York Times

"I started working with a nutritionist this year.

News & Media

The New Yorker

He started working with a few producers.

News & Media

The New York Times

"But he really started working the corners".

"Fortunately it started working," she added.

She started working there the next day.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more common and grammatically correct alternatives like "began working" or "started working" to ensure clarity and avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "started works" as it is not standard English. Instead, opt for "started working" or "began work" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

80%

Authority and reliability

2.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started works" functions as a verb phrase intended to indicate the commencement of activities. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, this construction is not grammatically correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "started works" might seem like a straightforward way to describe beginning tasks, it is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. It's best to use alternatives like "began working" or "commenced work" to ensure clarity and accuracy. Although there are examples of its usage, particularly in News & Media, prioritizing correct grammar is crucial for effective communication.

FAQs

What's a grammatically correct alternative to "started works"?

More appropriate alternatives include "started working" or "began work", which are standard English phrases.

How can I use "start" correctly when referring to work?

Always follow "start" with a gerund (working) or use "begin" with a noun (work). For example, "started working on the project" or "began work on the project" are both correct.

Is "started works" ever appropriate in formal writing?

No, "started works" is not appropriate for formal writing. Use grammatically correct alternatives like "began work" to maintain professionalism.

When should I use "started working" instead of "started works"?

Use "started working" in nearly all contexts, as "started works" is not considered standard English. The gerund form is the correct way to express the commencement of work.

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: