they started out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they started out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the initial phase or beginning of an action, process, or situation. Example: "They started out as friends before eventually becoming business partners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They started out small.

The New York Times - Magazine

They started out 18-5.

The New York Times - Sports

"Even they started out lukewarm.

The New York Times

They started out 4-11.

The New York Times - Sports

They started out somewhere, too.

The New Yorker

They started out doing improvised physical comedy.

The Guardian

They started out as fighters against oppression.

The New York Times

But they started out decidedly blue-collar.

The New York Times

They started out small – almost silly in a way.

Stanford University

They started out on the right foot, but it's degenerated.

The New York Times - Health

They started out working on basic skills in noncredit courses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the evolution of something, use "they started out" to clearly indicate the initial state before changes occurred. This helps to create a narrative of progression.

Common error

Avoid using "they started out" when simply introducing something or someone without implying a subsequent change or development. The phrase suggests an initial phase that evolves.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they started out" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to introduce an initial state or activity that is followed by a change or development. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a valid and commonly used English expression. The phrase sets the scene for a narrative of progression or transformation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

27%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they started out" is a common and versatile English expression used to describe the initial phase or beginning of an action or situation. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. It is frequently found in news, media, and academic sources, serving to provide context and highlight changes or developments over time. While simple in structure, its effectiveness in establishing a narrative of progression makes it a valuable tool for clear and engaging communication. Consider alternatives like "they began" or "initially they" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they began

Focuses on the action of beginning something, similar to starting out.

they commenced

Implies a more formal or official beginning.

they initiated

Highlights the act of setting something in motion.

they launched

Suggests a more ambitious or public beginning.

they originated

Emphasizes the point of origin or creation.

they were founded

Specifically refers to the establishment of an organization or institution.

their journey began

Frames the beginning as the start of a longer process or experience.

at first they

Highlights what the initial status or actions were.

initially they

Similar to "at first they" but slightly more formal.

in the beginning they

Emphasizes the early stages of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "they started out" in a sentence?

Use "they started out" to describe the initial phase of a group's actions or state before a change or development occurred. For example, "They started out as friends before becoming business partners".

What can I say instead of "they started out"?

You can use alternatives like "they began", "they commenced", or "initially they" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they started out as"?

Yes, "they started out as" is a correct and commonly used construction to indicate an initial role, identity, or characteristic. For example, "They started out as a small family business".

What's the difference between "they started out" and "they ended up"?

"They started out" describes the initial state or action, while "they ended up" describes the final result or outcome, often implying a change or transformation. For instance, "They started out with good intentions, but "they ended up" making things worse".