was started with

USAGE SUMMARY

"was started with" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the beginning or initiation of something. Here is an example: "The project was started with a small team, but it quickly expanded as more people became involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fire was started with plywood political signs.

The New York Times

The site was started with $8.5 million from private investors.

The New York Times

There was no sampling: the research was started with 45 nurses and completed with 40 nurses.

Nurse Education Today

Microsoft was started with a lot less.

Forbes

The simulation was started with normal conditions.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Treatment was started with topical antifungal medication and oral antibiotics.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Standardization was started with the last, the analytical step [90].

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Each experiment was started with the spores of C. acetobutylicum.

AMB Express

Heart massage was started with around 120 compressions per minute.

Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics

Mechanical ventilation was started with 10ml/kg in tidal volume.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Treatment was started with 2 g of magnesium.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the passive voice. While grammatically correct, overuse can make writing less direct. Consider whether an active construction might be more impactful: "They started the project with..." versus "The project was started with..."

Common error

A common mistake is losing clarity in passive constructions. Avoid ambiguous sentences where it's unclear who or what initiated the action. For example, instead of "The project was started with great enthusiasm", specify "The team started the project with great enthusiasm" for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was started with" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the beginning or initiation of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase describes how something commenced, emphasizing the initial element or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was started with" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote the commencement of an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related content, it serves to specify the initial element or action that initiated the subject. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, writers should remain mindful of passive voice implications and clarity, opting for more direct alternatives like "began with" when suitable. This ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began with

A simple and direct way to indicate the starting point.

initiated with

Highlights the act of setting something in motion or formally beginning a process.

commenced with

Emphasizes a formal beginning or start.

launched with

Suggests the start of a new product, service, or initiative.

originated with

Focuses on the source or initial cause of something.

opened with

Suggests a formal opening or commencement, often used for events or performances.

inaugurated with

Highlights a ceremonial or formal commencement.

kicked off with

An informal way to describe the beginning of an event or activity.

instigated with

Implies the initial action that prompted a series of events.

preceded by

Indicates that something came before and influenced the start.

FAQs

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

Use "was started with" to indicate the initial element or action when something begins. For example, "The meeting "was started with" a review of the previous quarter's results".

What are some alternatives to "was started with"?

Alternatives include "began with", "commenced with", or "initiated with", depending on the desired level of formality and context.

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

Both are correct, but "began with" is more direct and often preferred for its simplicity. "Was started with" is passive and can sometimes be less clear. Consider the context and desired emphasis when choosing between them.

Can "was started with" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "was started with" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, although simpler alternatives like "began with" may be preferred in informal settings for directness.