the contest started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the contest started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a competition or event has begun. Example: "As the clock struck noon, the contest started, and participants rushed to showcase their talents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The contest started Thursday and lasts seven days.

The New York Times

The contest started in 2009, and the top winners receive $200 and a trophy.

The New York Times - Science

As expected, the contest started quietly, with both fighters measuring each other's range and intentions.

The Guardian - Sport

The contest started inauspiciously with a notice in a block association newsletter.

The New York Times

The contest started to matter more, even though we all cared less.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was the first time Indonesia had won since the contest started in 1993.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Voting in the contest starts this weekend with the result set to be announced at a special conference in September.

Independent

The contest starts on May 27.

TechCrunch

The contest starts now and ends soon.

TechCrunch

The contest starts now and ends this Thursday, 6pm CET.

TechCrunch

If you would like Thejoin us as a sponsor, opportunities contestfound here.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the contest started", ensure the context clearly defines what "the contest" refers to. Providing specific details about the nature and scope of the contest enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the contest started" without clearly establishing which contest you are referencing. Without a clear antecedent, your audience may not understand what event is being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the contest started" functions as an independent clause indicating the commencement of a competition or event. As noted by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct phrase. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from academic competitions to sports events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the contest started" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate the beginning of a competition or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is valid in written English, and this is reinforced by its frequent appearance in News & Media and Academic sources. For enhanced clarity, ensure the context clearly defines the contest being referred to. While alternatives like "the competition began" or "the event commenced" exist, "the contest started" remains a direct and widely understood way to mark the initiation of an event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the competition began

Replaces "contest" with "competition", a synonym denoting a similar event.

the event commenced

Uses a more formal term, "commenced", instead of "started", and "event" replaces "contest".

the game initiated

Substitutes "contest" with "game" and "started" with "initiated", implying a playful or competitive activity.

the challenge began

Replaces "contest" with "challenge", highlighting the difficulty or demanding nature of the event.

the proceedings opened

A formal alternative, using "proceedings" to refer to the event and "opened" instead of "started".

the tournament kicked off

Uses a more informal and dynamic expression, "kicked off", often used for sports or competitive events.

the race was on

Emphasizes the active and competitive aspect, implying a sense of urgency or pursuit.

the battle was joined

Suggests a more intense or adversarial start, suitable for contests with strong opposition.

the campaign launched

Replaces contest with campaign and is suitable for events like promotions or marketing efforts that need to be launched

the exhibition debuted

Replaces contest with exhibition and implies a presentation to the public for the first time

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "the contest started"?

You can use alternatives like "the competition began", "the event commenced", or "the game initiated" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the contest was started"?

While grammatically valid, "the contest was started" is less direct and less common than "the contest started". The active voice is often preferred for its clarity and conciseness.

How can I make the phrase "the contest started" more specific?

To provide more context, you could specify when the contest started (e.g., "The contest started yesterday") or add details about the contest itself (e.g., "The writing contest started last week").

What is the difference between "the contest started" and "the contest is starting"?

"The contest started" indicates that the contest has already begun, while "the contest is starting" suggests that it is about to begin or is in the very early stages of commencement.