to be started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be started" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing an action or task that has not yet begun. For example, "The project needs to be started as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We appear to be started on a long expedition".

The New Yorker

They allow the cars to be started but not driven.

The New York Times

For them, everything was to be started afresh.

The Guardian - Arts

The installation of the injector linac is about to be started.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Some annual and perennial plants don't like to be started indoors and then transplanted.

Cornell University

One is already being drilled, and another is due to be started soon.

The Economist

"It wasn't going to be started for a long time," the employee said.

The New York Times

One slip and the scene would have to be started from the beginning again.

The New Yorker

A new investigation against me is to be started because of last episode.

The New York Times

The integration steps are due to be started in 2008 and completed with a complete operational loop in 2015.

Advances in Space Research

It was the first major bank credit card to be started in two decades.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be started", ensure the context clearly indicates what is initiating the action. For instance, "The meeting is to be started promptly at 9 AM."

Common error

Avoid using "to be started" excessively in sentences where active voice would be more direct and engaging. Instead of "The presentation is to be started by John", consider "John will start the presentation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be started" primarily functions as part of an infinitive phrase, often used in passive constructions. It indicates that an action or process is scheduled, required, or intended to begin. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

41%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be started" is a grammatically correct and very common infinitive phrase used to indicate that an action or process is scheduled, required, or intended to begin. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse sources. It is generally neutral in register, though more frequent in scientific and news contexts. When writing, be mindful of potential overuse of the passive voice and consider whether an active construction would be more effective. Understanding these nuances ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to commence

Formal synonym emphasizing the beginning of an action or process.

to be initiated

Focuses on the formal launch or introduction of something.

to get underway

Suggests the beginning of a journey or project.

to be launched

Implies a more significant or public start.

to kick off

Informal term for starting an event or project with enthusiasm.

to be set in motion

Emphasizes the action of causing something to begin.

to be triggered

Suggests a start caused by a specific event or condition.

to be activated

Common in technical contexts, referring to a system or device beginning operation.

to come into effect

Specifically for laws, regulations, or agreements beginning their enforcement.

to be inaugurated

For formal beginnings, usually of projects or political terms.

FAQs

How can I use "to be started" in a sentence?

Use "to be started" to indicate that something is planned or required to begin. For example, "The experiment is to be started tomorrow" or "Treatment had to be started within 75 days after surgery."

What are some alternatives to "to be started"?

You can use alternatives like "to commence", "to be initiated", or "to get underway" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "to be started"?

While "to be started" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct. For example, instead of "The project is to be started by the team", consider "The team will start the project".

What is the difference between "to be started" and "to start"?

"To be started" implies a passive action, indicating something will be begun, while "to start" implies an active action, indicating someone will begin something. For example, "The process is to be started" (passive) versus "We need to start the process" (active).