the meeting started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the meeting started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the beginning of a meeting or to refer to a past event when the meeting commenced. Example: "I arrived late because the meeting started earlier than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, Dr. Denise Ferguson is also up for this position, I got a chance to meet her before the meeting started, and I think she would make an excellent Second VP.

Huffington Post

The meeting started awkwardly.

The New Yorker

Before the meeting started, Mr. Rybak praised the president.

The New York Times

"Tea, Nescafé?" Justo asks, trying to get the meeting started.

The Guardian

As it happens, I learned a couple of lessons even before the meeting started.

The New York Times

As the meeting started, Mr. Chu offered ideas for music and choreography.

The New York Times

The meeting started after 5 p.m. and lasted more than an hour.

The New York Times

Before the meeting started, Keller told the group that he was going to make the change.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Or the time the real business of the meeting starts?

Harvard Business Review

The meeting starts at 5 30 p.m. at the College of Insurance at 101 Murray Street in Manhattan.

The New York Times

The meeting starts at ten o'clock sharp and finishes sometime between eleven-thirty and twelve, depending on the agenda.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the meeting started", ensure that the context clearly indicates which meeting you are referring to. If there's ambiguity, specify the meeting by adding a modifier (e.g., "the project meeting started")

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses with "the meeting started". For example, do not say "the meeting start" (present tense) when referring to a past event. Use "the meeting started" (past tense) for completed actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the meeting started" functions as an independent clause indicating the commencement of a meeting. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a meeting has begun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the meeting started" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to indicate the beginning of a meeting. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread acceptance and usability across different contexts, primarily in news, academic, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "the meeting began" or "the meeting commenced" exist, "the meeting started" maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the meeting and avoiding incorrect verb tenses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the meeting began

Replaces 'started' with a direct synonym, 'began', maintaining identical meaning and structure.

the meeting commenced

Uses 'commenced', a more formal synonym for 'started', indicating a similar beginning but with a slightly elevated register.

the meeting got underway

Employs an idiomatic expression meaning to begin or proceed, changing the structure slightly but preserving the core concept.

the meeting was initiated

Shifts to a passive voice, emphasizing the action of starting the meeting rather than the meeting itself.

the meeting was called to order

Refers to the formal act of officially starting a meeting, implying a structured environment.

they kicked off the meeting

Uses the phrasal verb 'kicked off', an informal way to say 'started', altering the tone.

the opening of the meeting

Focuses on the initial part of the meeting, describing what happened at the start.

the meeting's inception

Emphasizes the point at which the meeting came into being, using a more abstract and formal term.

the meeting's launch

Suggests a planned beginning, similar to a product launch, implying preparation and expectation.

the meeting's get-go

Uses slang, emphasizing the moment a meeting start in informal way.

FAQs

What's another way to say "the meeting started"?

Alternatives include "the meeting began", "the meeting commenced", or "the meeting got underway". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality.

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

While grammatically valid, "the meeting was started" (passive voice) is less common and often less direct than "the meeting started" (active voice). The active voice is usually preferred for clarity.

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

Add details to clarify which meeting is being referenced. For instance, use "the team meeting started", "the board meeting started", or "the project's kick-off meeting started".

What's the difference between "the meeting started" and "the meeting is starting"?

"The meeting started" indicates that the meeting has already begun. "The meeting is starting" suggests that the meeting is about to begin or is in the process of beginning.