A1verb 1K

Start

🇬🇧 UK /["/stɑːt/","/stɑːts/","/ˈstɑːtɪd/","/ˈstɑːtɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/stɑːrt/","/stɑːrts/","/ˈstɑːrtɪd/","/ˈstɑːrtɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Start

to begin doing or using something

In simple words: To begin something

Start in a sentence

• Please start the engine before we leave.
• I will start the meeting at 3 PM.
• You need to start your homework early.
• They plan to start a new project next month.
• He wants to start his own business someday.
• The race will start at dawn.
• I always feel nervous before I start performing.
• She will start taking piano lessons next week.
• To start, you need to gather all the materials.
• Make sure to start with the easy questions.

How to use Start

Use 'start' for beginning actions or events. It's appropriate in both speaking and writing, but in formal contexts, you might use 'initiate' instead.

Grammar pattern

start + object

Memory hint

Think of the word 'start' as the 'starting line' in a race.

Related words

Collocations with Start

• suddenly
• immediately
• just
• decide to
• expect to
• hope to
• as
• by
• from
• get (somebody/​something) started
• a good, great, etc. place to start
• let’s start
• suddenly
• immediately
• just
• decide to
• expect to
• hope to
• as
• by
• from
• get (somebody/​something) started
• a good, great, etc. place to start
• let’s start

Synonyms for Start

• set off, set out
• jump

Opposites of Start

• stop
• finish
• end

Common mistakes with Start

• Confused with 'begin' — both mean similar things but are used in slightly different contexts.
• Used as a noun incorrectly — 'start' is mainly a verb.
• Misplaced in phrasal verbs — it should not be confused with 'start up' in business contexts.

Frequently asked questions about Start

What does Start mean?

To begin something

What is the definition of Start?

to begin doing or using something

How do you use Start in a sentence?

Please start the engine before we leave.

Can you give another example of Start?

I will start the meeting at 3 PM.

What are synonyms for Start?

Common alternatives include set off, set out, jump.

What is the opposite of Start?

Opposite meanings include stop, finish, end.

What words go with Start?

It commonly pairs with suddenly, immediately, just, decide to, expect to, hope to, as, by, from, get (somebody/​something) started, a good, great, etc. place to start, let’s start, suddenly, immediately, just, decide to, expect to, hope to, as, by, from, get (somebody/​something) started, a good, great, etc. place to start, let’s start.

What are common mistakes when using Start?

Confused with 'begin' — both mean similar things but are used in slightly different contexts. Used as a noun incorrectly — 'start' is mainly a verb. Misplaced in phrasal verbs — it should not be confused with 'start up' in business contexts.

How do you pronounce Start?

US: /["/stɑːrt/","/stɑːrts/","/ˈstɑːrtɪd/","/ˈstɑːrtɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/stɑːt/","/stɑːts/","/ˈstɑːtɪd/","/ˈstɑːtɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Start?

Use 'start' for beginning actions or events. It's appropriate in both speaking and writing, but in formal contexts, you might use 'initiate' instead.

What CEFR level is Start?

"Start" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.