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"I started working" vs "I had started working"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'I had started working' is used when you want to emphasize that the action of starting to work occurred before another past event. 'I started working' is a more straightforward way to express the beginning of an action in the past.

Last Updated: March 12, 2024

I started working

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express the beginning of an action in the past.

This phrase is a simple way to express the start of an action in the past without emphasizing the sequence of events. It is commonly used in simple past tense.

Examples:

  • I started working on the project yesterday.
  • She started working at the company last month.

Alternatives:

  • I began working
  • I initiated working
  • I commenced working
  • I kicked off working
  • I got started working

I had started working

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that an action started before another past event.

This phrase is used to emphasize that the action of starting to work occurred before another past event. It is often used in past perfect tense to show the sequence of events.

Examples:

  • I had started working on the project before the deadline was extended.
  • She had started working at the company when she was offered a better position.

Alternatives:

  • I had begun working
  • I had started to work
  • I had initiated working
  • I had commenced working
  • I had kicked off working

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