the works has started

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "The works has started" is not grammatically correct and is not usable in written English.
"Works" should be either "work" or "the work" to agree with the singular verb "has." Possible examples using correct grammar and usage could be: - "The work has started on the new building project." - "The works of Shakespeare have been influential in English literature." - "The team is confident that their hard work will pay off in the game tomorrow."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Meanwhile, Poker Central, a new streaming service dedicated exclusively to poker coverage, which also has a cable-television network in the works, has started to host original content on Twitch.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It has apologised and says the work has started this week.

The Guardian - Money

The work has started but much remains to be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

Chris Jenkins, of CGCW said there was "no decision yet, but the work has started on the feasibility study".

BBC

Due to the large number of variables and the complexity of the process, the work has started with two separate subsystems: one for an engine and another one for the steam turbine.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Then things started cropping up … now the problems are solved and the work has started … planting is being done today.

BMC Health Services Research

The work has started, especially with the A (H5N1) vaccine produced by reverse genetics, but the research has a long way to go.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Julia Lloyd Williams, chief curator of the National Gallery, said over the years the work had started to reveal ghostly traces of its predecessor.

The Guardian

The work had started in 1958 when Fleming's friend Ivar Bryce introduced him to a young Irish writer and director, Kevin McClory, and the three, together with Fleming and Bryce's friend Ernest Cuneo, worked on a script.

Wikipedia

Blood samples were drawn Monday morning after the work had started and the following Thursday at noon.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

As with the sculptures in the yard, the smaller works have started to fill the large house he shares with his father, and Kenny Jr.'s uncontrollable creative output has put a strain on his family.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure subject-verb agreement. "Works" is plural and would require "have", while "work" is singular and requires "has". Using "the work" specifies a particular task, while "works" refers to multiple projects or creations.

Common error

Avoid using "works" with "has". Remember that "works" is plural and needs the auxiliary verb "have". The correct sentence would be: "The works have started". Alternatively, use the singular form: "The work has started".

Linguistic Context

The phrase's intended function is to announce the commencement of multiple activities or projects. However, due to a subject-verb agreement error, it fails to communicate this effectively. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase requires grammatical correction to function correctly.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the works has started" is grammatically incorrect and infrequently used. The correct form is either "the work has started" (singular) or "the works have started" (plural). Its intended function is to announce the beginning of a project or set of activities. According to Ludwig AI, paying attention to subject-verb agreement is essential for effective communication. Ensure the verb form aligns with whether you're referring to a single project or multiple "works". While its occurrence is rare, understanding the correct usage and context helps in clear and accurate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the project has commenced

Replaces "works" with "project" and uses the more formal "commenced" instead of "started".

the task has begun

Replaces "works" with "task" and "started" with "begun", offering a slightly more formal tone.

the operation is underway

Substitutes "works" with "operation" and uses "is underway" to indicate that the activity is in progress.

implementation has been initiated

Uses more formal terms like "implementation" and "initiated" instead of "works" and "started".

the process has been activated

Replaces "works" with "process" and uses "has been activated" to highlight the beginning of a procedure.

action has been taken

Emphasizes that steps have been taken, substituting "works" with "action".

things are in motion

Indicates that activity has started, replacing "works" with "things" for a less specific reference.

the ball is rolling

An idiomatic expression indicating that progress has started; less formal than the original phrase.

the wheels are turning

An idiomatic alternative that means activity or planning is in progress.

the groundwork has been laid

Focuses on the preparatory steps having been completed, implying the start of the main work.

FAQs

How should I correctly use the word "works" in a sentence about something starting?

When referring to multiple projects or creations, use "works" with the verb "have". For example, "The works have started on the new art installation". Alternatively, if you're referring to a single task, use "the work has started".

What's the difference between saying "the work has started" and "the works have started"?

"The work has started" refers to a single, specific task or project that has commenced. "The works have started" refers to multiple separate projects or activities that have begun. The use depends on whether you are talking about one thing or several things.

Can I say "the works is started"?

No, "the works is started" is grammatically incorrect. "Works" is plural, so it requires a plural verb form like "have" or "are". Correct options include "the works have started" or, depending on the context, "the machines are started".

What are some alternatives to saying "the work has started"?

You can use alternatives like "the project has commenced", "the operation is underway", or "the task has begun" depending on the context.