when did you start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when did you start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the beginning of an action or event in the past. Example: "When did you start learning to play the guitar?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When did you start?

The New York Times

When did you start writing?

The New Yorker

When did you start RAW?

The New York Times

When did you start collecting?

The New York Times - Magazine

When did you start working?

The New York Times

When did you start NOBO?

Columbia University

When did you start that?

Harvard University

When did you start studying its history?

The New Yorker

When did you start writing songs?

The New York Times - Magazine

J.E-L.: When did you start surfing?

The New York Times

When did you start writing about food?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the relationship with the person you are asking. For formal relationships prefer: "When did you begin ...?" instead of "When did you start ...?". For informal relationships, both are acceptable.

Common error

While "start" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound less professional. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "commence", "initiate", or "begin" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when did you start" functions as an interrogative clause, specifically used to inquire about the initial point in time at which someone began an activity or endeavor. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when did you start" is a grammatically correct and commonly used interrogative clause that serves to inquire about the commencement of an activity. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing between "start" and more formal synonyms like "begin", "commence", or "initiate". The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, as well as academic contexts. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "when did you start" to engage readers and gather information efficiently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At what time did you begin?

Replaces "when" with a more specific "at what time", and uses "begin" instead of "start".

What's the starting date?

Asks directly for the starting date instead of an open-ended 'when'.

What year did you commence?

Substitutes "start" with the more formal "commence" and specifies the inquiry as concerning a year.

How long ago did you initiate this?

Shifts the focus to the duration since the start, using "initiate" as a synonym for "start".

What's the kickoff date?

Uses a more informal "kickoff date", which is useful for project or event.

When was the inception of your involvement?

Employs a more formal tone, using "inception" to refer to the beginning of someone's participation.

What point in time did you get underway?

Uses the more formal expression "get underway" in place of "start".

On what date did you get going?

Uses a more colloquial "get going" in place of "start", specifying the inquiry as concerning a date.

How did it all begin?

Asks for the story of how something began, rather than a specific date or time.

Tell me about the origin

Asks for a narrative about the origin of something instead of a specific starting point.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when did you start" to sound more formal?

In a formal setting, consider using phrases such as "When did you commence?", "When did you initiate?", or "At what point did you "begin"?". These alternatives offer a more professional tone.

What's a more casual way to ask "when did you start"?

For casual conversations, you might ask, "How'd you get into that?" or simply "How long have you been doing it?". These options are less direct and more conversational.

Is there a difference between "when did you start" and "when did you begin"?

The terms "start" and "begin" are largely interchangeable, but "begin" can sound slightly more formal. "When did you start" is perfectly acceptable in most contexts, while "when did you "begin"" is slightly more appropriate for formal situations.

How do I follow up after asking "when did you start"?

After asking "when did you start", you can follow up by inquiring about the reasons for starting, challenges faced, or achievements made since then. This shows genuine interest and encourages further conversation.