was started

USAGE SUMMARY

"was started" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is a past tense verb phrase and can be used in a sentence to describe an action that began in the past. Example: The project was started by a team of dedicated volunteers three years ago.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Zipcar was started in 2000.

The New York Times

Ideame was started in 2011.

The New York Times

Ryze.com was started first.

The New York Times - Tech

"This process was started.

The Guardian - Sport

Tunnel No. 1 was started in 1907.

The New Yorker

The collection was started in 1915.

The New York Times

He was started on intravenous fluids.

The New York Times

She was started on a blood thinner.

The New Yorker

They believe the fire was started deliberately.

Independent

It was started in a garage.

The Economist

The program was started in 1960.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was started" when indicating the commencement of an action, project, or process. Ensure the subject performing the action is clear for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid replacing "was started" with an active voice construction if the actor is unknown or unimportant. Using the active voice incorrectly can lead to awkward or unclear sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was started" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that an action or process was initiated by an unspecified or less important agent. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was started" is a common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to indicate the initiation of an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "was commenced" or "was initiated" exist, "was started" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication needs. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding the subject and avoid misusing the active voice. Given its frequent occurrence and broad applicability, "was started" is a valuable and reliable phrase for expressing the commencement of events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was commenced

Implies a more formal or official beginning than "was started".

was initiated

Suggests a more deliberate and planned beginning, often with a specific purpose.

was launched

Commonly used for projects, products, or campaigns.

was begun

A more literary or archaic alternative to "was started".

was created

Focuses on the act of creation or making something new.

was established

Emphasizes the setting up or founding of something with the intention of permanence.

originated

Highlights the point of origin or the source from which something arose.

came into existence

A more descriptive way of saying something began to exist.

was founded

Specifically refers to the establishment of an organization or institution.

took place

Emphasizes the occurrence or happening of an event.

FAQs

How can I use "was started" in a sentence?

Use "was started" to describe the beginning of an action or process in the past, where the focus is on the action itself rather than the actor. For example, "The project "was started" last year".

What are some alternatives to "was started"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "was commenced", "was initiated", or "was launched" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

Is it better to use "was started" or "began"?

Both "was started" and "began" can be correct, but "was started" is often used in the passive voice to emphasize the action rather than the actor, while "began" is active and puts the focus on who or what initiated the action.

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

"Was started" generally refers to the commencement of an activity or process. "Was established", on the other hand, typically refers to the founding or creation of something more permanent, like an organization or institution.