was started in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was started in" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific event that began in a certain year or time period. For example, "The company was started in 1990."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

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

Tunnel No. 1 was started in 1907.

The New Yorker

It was started in a garage.

The Economist

The program was started in 1960.

The New Yorker

Rosc was started in 1967.

The New Yorker

The venture was started in 1996.

The New York Times

The company was started in 2007.

The Guardian

The unfinished cathedral was started in 1892.

The New York Times

The fund was started in May 1999.

The New York Times

Service was started in 1921 by Capt.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was started in", ensure the subject clearly identifies what began and the prepositional phrase specifies the time or location of the start. For instance, "The project was started in 2020" provides clear information.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring that the subject of the sentence clearly identifies what was started. For example, instead of "It was started in 1995", specify "The database was started in 1995" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was started in" functions as a passive construction indicating the beginning or initiation of something within a specific time frame or location. This construction is commonly used to provide historical or contextual information about the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was started in" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction to indicate the beginning of something at a specific time or place. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely accepted and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal writing. It's crucial to ensure clarity by explicitly stating the subject and avoiding ambiguity. Alternatives like "began in" or "commenced in" can be used for variety. The phrase is frequently found in scientific and news contexts, as demonstrated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began in

Replaces the passive construction with a more direct verb, focusing on the beginning.

was initiated in

Similar to "was started in", but emphasizes the act of initiating something.

was established in

Focuses on the act of setting up or founding something.

was founded in

Similar to "was established in", often used for organizations or institutions.

commenced in

A more formal synonym for began, implying a deliberate start.

originated in

Highlights the place or time of origin or creation.

dates back to

Indicates that something's origins are from a specified time in the past.

emerged in

Suggests a gradual appearance or rise to prominence.

took root in

Suggests a gradual beginning and development, like a plant taking root.

saw its beginning in

Emphasizes the moment or period when something started.

FAQs

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

Use "was started in" to indicate when something began. For example, "The company was started in 2005" or "The program "was initiated in" 1960".

What is a good alternative to "was started in"?

Alternatives include "began in", "commenced in", or "was established in", depending on the context. For instance, "The project began in 2018".

Is it correct to say "was started at" instead of "was started in"?

While "was started at" can be correct, it usually refers to a place or institution, whereas "was started in" refers to a time period or broader location. For example, "The meeting was started at 9 AM" versus "The project was started in California".

Can I use "was started by" instead of "was started in"?

"Was started by" indicates who initiated something, while "was started in" indicates when or where it began. So, they serve different purposes. "The business was started by John" versus "The business was started in 2010".