Phrasal verbs "start on at" vs "start out to"

Differences between start on at and start out to

Start on at means to begin doing something with enthusiasm or determination, while start out to means to begin a task or journey with a specific goal or intention in mind.

Meanings and Definitions: start on at vs start out to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Start on at

• 1. Criticise or nag.

  He STARTED ON AT me for being late.

Start out to

• 1. Intend, plan.

  I didn't START OUT TO become the boss- it just happened.

Usage Examples: start on at, start out to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

start on at

Example

My mom always starts on at me when I forget to do my chores.

Example

She starts on at her brother for not cleaning his room.

start out to

Example

She started out to become a doctor, but later changed her mind.

Example

He starts out to learn a new language every year.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Start on at

dive into

To start doing something with great enthusiasm or energy.

Example

She dived into her new job and quickly became an asset to the team.

get cracking on

To start working on something with determination and urgency.

Example

We need to get cracking on this project if we want to meet the deadline.

set about

To start doing something with energy and determination.

Example

He set about cleaning the house and finished in record time.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Start out to

set out to

To begin a task or journey with a specific goal or intention in mind.

Example

She set out to write a novel and eventually became a bestselling author.

embark on

To start a new project or journey with a specific goal or intention in mind.

Example

They embarked on a new business venture and worked hard to make it successful.

take up

To start a new activity or hobby with a specific goal or intention in mind.

Example

He took up painting as a hobby and eventually became a professional artist.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “start”

• start out as
• start off on
• start back
• start off
• start out to

Phrasal Verbs with “on at”

• get on at
• go on at

Phrasal Verbs with “out to”

• go out to
• lose out to
• be out to
• reach out to

Differences in start on at vs start out to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: start on at or start out to?

Both start on at and start out to are less common phrasal verbs. However, start out to is slightly more common than start on at.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of start on at and start out to

Both start on at and start out to are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday conversations. They may not be appropriate for formal settings like business or academic contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of start on at and start out to

The tone of start on at and start out to can differ based on context. Start on at often carries a positive and enthusiastic tone, while start out to typically has a more focused and determined tone.

start on at & start out to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Start on at

Synonyms

• criticize
• nag
• scold
• reprimand
• chide
• berate
• upbraid
• rebuke

Antonyms

• praise
• compliment
• encourage
• support
• congratulate
• applaud

Start out to

Synonyms

• intend
• plan
• aim
• set out to
• begin with the intention

Antonyms

• end
• complete
• abandon
• finish
• give up