start
verb (used without object)
to begin or set out, as on a journey or activity.
had started
-
past perfectof start.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The city said District 19’s AI programs had started under the prior administration and are now restricted.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
He had started leaning on Google’s AI-assisted search for other classes, like when he needed to label the parts of a volcano or write an essay about Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
Consider: In the previous nine seasons under McVay, the Rams had started a season 1-2 only once.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 28, 2026
Because the next day, I was going to meet the man who had started it all.
From Slate ● Sep. 22, 2026
At first George thought maybe the engines had started up again.
From "I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912" by Lauren Tarshis
