we started selling

USAGE SUMMARY

"we started selling" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to imply that sales were commenced recently. For example: "This year, we started selling organic produce at our store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

We started selling in Philadelphia.

The New York Times

In 2010, we started selling them".

The New Yorker

We've done O.K. in the downturn because we started selling online in 2007.

The New York Times

But once we started selling it and people loved it, he had no choice".

The New York Times

"The tax went up, and we started selling 10 times as much," Mr. Warner said.

The New York Times

"People didn't know what Lechters stood for when we started selling candles and frames.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"We really had to build the technology platform and the audience before we start selling anything," Mr. O'Connor noted.

The New York Times

Over dinner one night, they suggested that we start selling modular construction services to the federal government.

The New York Times

"We start selling our Buffalo tomatoes in mid-May, two months before they're ripe in the home garden," he said.

The New York Times

Once we start selling cars again, they're going to have a lot of these features.

Forbes

When we start selling the non-DRM tracks, they'll be higher audio quality.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we started selling", ensure the context clearly indicates what you began selling and when. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we started selling" without specifying what you are selling. Always provide context to ensure the reader understands the product or service being offered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we started selling" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a selling activity. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English. The examples confirm its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we started selling" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to indicate the beginning of sales activities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. The phrase is versatile, fitting into neutral registers, but requires clear contextual information about what is being sold. While semantically similar alternatives exist, they carry slightly different nuances. Writers should ensure they specify what was sold to avoid ambiguity. Top sources employing the phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian and TechCrunch.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we began selling

A more straightforward and general way to express the start of selling.

we initiated selling

Highlights the act of starting or setting in motion the selling process.

we commenced sales

Implies a more formal or official beginning of sales.

we launched sales

Suggests a public introduction or promotion of sales.

we started offering for sale

Emphasizes the act of making something available to buy.

selling commenced

Passive voice version, focusing on the selling process itself.

sales operations began

Focuses on the operational aspect of starting sales.

we rolled out sales

Suggests a gradual or phased start to sales activities.

we debuted our sales

Implies a first-time selling event or activity.

our sales journey began

Emphasizes the beginning of a continuous process of sales.

FAQs

How to use "we started selling" in a sentence?

You can use "we started selling" to indicate the beginning of sales activities. For example, "Last year, "we started selling" our products online".

What can I say instead of "we started selling"?

You can use alternatives like "we began selling", "we commenced sales", or "we initiated selling" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we started selling" or "we begin to sell"?

While both are grammatically correct, ""we started selling"" implies a past action that initiated sales. "We begin to sell" suggests a future or habitual action.

What's the difference between "we started selling" and "we are selling"?

"We started selling" indicates the commencement of sales, while "we are selling" describes a current activity.