that started with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that started with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the beginning of a process, event, or statement that has been previously mentioned. Example: "The project that started with a simple idea has now evolved into a comprehensive plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All that started with his list.

The New York Times - Sports

We're a brand that started with no advertising.

The New York Times

That's probably a role that started with his parents' divorce.

Independent

All that started with the once-and-future "Forsyte Saga".

The New York Times

"It's a test model that started with Bryant".

The New York Times

The luck that started with winning continued throughout.

The Guardian - Travel

I remember an assignment that started with choosing a picture.

The New York Times

The trilogy that started with Noughts & Crosses brought a new perspective to writing about colour prejudice.

Independent

I was making coffee and singing to myself all the words that started with "R".

The New Yorker

For a day that started with so much promise, Wednesday quickly turned grumpy.

The New York Times - Sports

The answers would yield a flowchart that started with suppliers and ended with customers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that started with", consider if a more precise verb (e.g., 'originated', 'commenced') would be more appropriate for the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "that started with" if the focus is not on the origin or initial event, but rather on a later stage or development. Ensure that the starting point is truly the relevant aspect you want to highlight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that started with" functions as a relative clause introducing a defining characteristic of a noun phrase, specifying its point of origin or initiation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"That started with" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the initial point or origin of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. While suitable for various contexts, from formal to informal, consider using more precise alternatives like "which began with" or "that originated from" for added clarity or formality. Remember to focus on the initiation point when using this phrase to avoid misrepresenting the scope of the event or process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which began with

Emphasizes the initiation point of an event or process.

that originated from

Highlights the source or origin of something.

commencing with

A more formal way to indicate the beginning of a sequence.

that was initiated by

Focuses on the entity or action that started something.

which stemmed from

Implies that something developed or arose from a particular source.

that took off with

Suggests a quick or successful start.

that was triggered by

Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship where something initiated a process.

that has its roots in

Emphasizes the historical origin or foundation.

whose inception was

A formal way of referring to the beginning or start.

that germinated from

Suggests that something grew or developed from a particular starting point.

FAQs

How can I use "that started with" in a sentence?

Use "that started with" to introduce the initial point of an event, process, or sequence. For example, "The project "that started with" a simple idea evolved into a complex system."

What are some alternatives to "that started with"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "which began with", "that originated from", or "commencing with" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "that started with" and "that began with"?

While both phrases are very similar, "that started with" can sometimes imply a more active or intentional initiation, whereas "that began with" is more neutral and simply indicates the beginning.

Can "that started with" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "that started with" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "commencing with" or "that was initiated by" for a more sophisticated tone.