that's how it started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that's how it started" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to explain the origins of something, often something that happened in the past. For example, "John and I had been best friends ever since he transferred to our school, that's how it started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He said, 'Let's do it,' and that's how it started".

The Guardian

"I said, 'Let's do a real series, a big series,' and that's how it started," he said.

Los Angeles Times

"He didn't tour in the winter, so we rented a room above the barber's, got a table and spread the books out and that's how it started".

BBC

It could be, because that's how it started in Europe," said Steve Olson, a supervisor in the F.B.I.'s domestic terrorism unit.

The New York Times

That's how it started.

The New York Times - Sports

So that's how it started.

Independent

And that's how it started".

The Guardian - Music

"I think that's how it started".

The New Yorker

"I think that's how it started," Ms. Boyle said.

The New York Times

"Gucci is a cheap Hermès -- that's how it started out.

The New York Times

That's how it started, and that's how it remained".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's how it started" to provide a concise explanation of the beginning of a process, relationship, or event. It's particularly effective in anecdotal storytelling.

Common error

While "that's how it started" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal writing or presentations. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "that was the genesis" or "that marked the inception" /s/that+marked+the+inception for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's how it started" functions as an introductory expression used to narrate the commencement or origin of an event, situation, or process. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly used to explain how something began. It often appears within a narrative, providing context or background information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that's how it started" is a versatile phrase used to describe the origins of various events or situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While its neutrality allows for use in many scenarios, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional settings. Remember to utilize this phrase to offer clear and concise explanations of beginnings, enhancing your storytelling with accessible language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's how it all began

Adds emphasis to the entirety of the subsequent events that unfolded from that starting point.

that's where it began

Directly indicates the place or point in time where something commenced.

that was the starting point

Emphasizes the initial stage or phase in a process or development.

that was the genesis

Focuses on the origin or creation, often implying a more significant or impactful beginning.

that's where it all stems from

Focuses on the source or origin from which subsequent events or consequences arise.

that's what sparked it

Highlights the catalyst or inciting incident that triggered the subsequent events.

that's the origin story

Emphasizes the narrative aspect of the beginning, often used for events with a history or background.

that's the root of it

Implies a fundamental or underlying cause that led to the current situation.

that's the foundation

Highlights the underlying structure or basis upon which something is built or developed.

that's the kickoff

Implies an initial event or action that sets something in motion, particularly for projects or initiatives.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that's how it started" for a more formal tone?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases such as "that was the genesis", "that marked the inception", or "that was the origin".

Is "that's how it started" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "that's how it started" may be too informal for most academic writing. Consider using more precise and formal language to describe the beginning of a process or event.

What are some alternatives to "that's how it started" that emphasize a cause-and-effect relationship?

To emphasize the cause-and-effect, try "that's what sparked it" or "that's the root of it". These alternatives highlight the initiating factor.

Can "that's how it started" be used to describe the beginning of a problem or negative situation?

Yes, "that's how it started" can describe the onset of both positive and negative events. The context will determine whether it refers to a favorable or unfavorable beginning.