the game started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the game started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a game has begun, often in the context of sports, video games, or any competitive activity. Example: "As the clock struck 7 PM, the game started, and the crowd erupted in cheers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Until the game started.

The New York Times - Sports

Then the game started.

The New York Times - Sports

The game started.

The New Yorker

But then the game started.

The New York Times - Sports

The game started so well.

Independent

Has the game started?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The game started unpromisingly.

The Guardian

The game started poorly for the Mets.

The New York Times - Sports

It didn't The game started OK.

Independent

When the game started, the Knicks unravelled.

The New Yorker

Once the game started, Granderson shined brightest.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by placing "the game started" at different points in the sentence to maintain reader engagement. For example, instead of "The game started, and the crowd roared", try "And then, the game started, with the crowd roaring."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect tenses with "the game started". Ensure you use the simple past tense (started) to indicate that the game's beginning is in the past. For example, don't say "The game starts" when referring to a past event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the game started" functions as an independent clause stating a fact. It asserts that the game's beginning occurred at a specific point in time. As Ludwig AI shows, it is often followed by information describing what happened next.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the game started" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to indicate the commencement of a game or match. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. Alternatives such as "the match began" or "play initiated" can be used for variety. When using this phrase, ensure you use the correct tense and maintain consistency. Overall, it's a straightforward and effective way to signal the beginning of a competitive event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the match commenced

Uses a more formal synonym for "started".

the game began

Uses a different word to convey the start of the game.

the kickoff happened

Implies that a football or soccer game started.

play initiated

A slightly more formal way of saying the game started.

the contest got underway

Rephrases the idea using "got underway".

the first whistle blew

Indicates the start of a game with a whistle, common in sports.

the action began

Focuses on the action element starting.

the opening bell rang

Suitable when the game or match begins with a bell sound.

hostilities commenced

A dramatic way of saying the game started, implying a competitive environment.

the starting gun fired

Signifies the start of a race or competition.

FAQs

How can I use "the game started" in a sentence?

You can use "the game started" to indicate the beginning of a game or match. For example, "The anticipation was high, and finally, "the game started"."

What are some alternatives to using "the game started"?

Alternatives include "the match began", "the game commenced", or "play initiated", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the game starts" instead of "the game started" when talking about a past event?

No, when referring to a past event, it is grammatically correct to use "the game started". "The game starts" implies a present or future event.

What's the difference between "the game started" and "the game was started"?

"The game started" is in the active voice, indicating the game began on its own. "The game was started" is in the passive voice, suggesting an external force initiated the game. The active voice is generally preferred for clarity and conciseness.