was to have started

USAGE SUMMARY

'was to have started' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that you had intended or planned to do, but it did not happen. Example: The concert was to have started at 8pm, but due to a power outage it was delayed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Pressplay was to have started last summer.

The New York Times

The service was to have started last Wednesday.

The New York Times

Construction was to have started early this year.

The New York Times

That was to have started as early as next year.

The Guardian

She was to have started a new job today.

The New York Times

The Sunday Times was to have started serialisation tomorrow.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The two units were to have started operations eight years ago.

The New York Times

Arguments were to have started last Friday in federal appeals court.

The New York Times

The teams were to have started a three-game series in Houston on Friday night.

The New York Times

The payments were to have started in April but appear to have started only in July, Mr. Blumenthal said.

The New York Times

Two spots from McCann-Erickson New York, directed by the documentary film maker Barbara Kopple, were to have started appearing last Monday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates why the planned start did not occur. Providing this information enhances the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "was to have started" when referring to actions that actually began. This phrase is specifically for plans that were not executed. Use a simple past perfect tense instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was to have started" functions as a complex auxiliary verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct, typically indicating a past intention or plan that did not come to fruition. It establishes a temporal context where an event was anticipated but didn't occur.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was to have started" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe planned events that did not occur. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's frequently found in news and formal contexts, conveying a sense of unfulfilled expectation. For alternative phrasing, consider "was scheduled to begin" or "was supposed to commence". When writing, be mindful of using it only for unrealized plans and avoid tense errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was scheduled to begin

Indicates a planned start with a formal arrangement.

was supposed to commence

Implies an expectation of starting, often with a sense of obligation or agreement.

had been slated to initiate

Suggests a more formal or official plan for starting.

was on the verge of launching

Emphasizes the imminence of the start.

was set to get underway

Indicates preparation and readiness for the start.

was about to be implemented

Focuses on the carrying out or putting into effect of something.

was intending to activate

Highlights the intention or purpose behind the starting action.

was designated to trigger

Suggests a specific event or action that causes the start.

was programmed to initiate

Implies a structured or pre-arranged start.

was projected to instigate

Focuses on the idea of initiating something significant or impactful.

FAQs

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

Use "was to have started" to describe a planned event or action that did not begin as scheduled. For example, "The meeting "was to have started" at 9am, but it was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances."

What's the difference between "was to have started" and "was supposed to start"?

"Was to have started" implies a plan or arrangement that didn't happen, while "was supposed to start" also suggests a plan, but the reason for not starting might be different. "Was to have started" highlights the failed intention more strongly.

What are some alternatives to using "was to have started"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "was scheduled to begin", "was expected to start", or "was going to start".

Is "was to have started" formal or informal?

"Was to have started" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is generally suitable for any situation where you need to describe a planned event that did not occur.