What does the phrasal verb “start back” mean?

What are the definitions of “start back”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To resume or begin again.

  I want to start back as soon as I’m fit.

• 2. To return or go back to a previous location or activity.

  It’s time we were starting back.

• 3. To move suddenly or quickly in a backward direction, often due to fear or surprise.

  She started back in fright.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “start back”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb start back is to resume or begin again. It is often used when talking about restarting an activity or returning to a previous state after a break or interruption.

What are the different verb forms of “start back”?

Root Verb	start back
Third Person Singular Present	starts back
Present Participle	starting back
Simple Past	started back
Past Participle	started back

Example

After the holidays, we will start back with our regular schedule.

Example

She starts back at work next week after her maternity leave.

Example

He is starting back on his exercise routine after recovering from an injury.

Example

They started back on their journey after a short rest.

Example

The project was started back up after a long delay.

What kind of phrasal verb is “start back”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“start back” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

After the break, we started back with our lessons.

Example

She started back in fright when she saw the spider.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“start back” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

After the break, we started back with our lessons.

Example

She started back in fright when she saw the spider.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “start back”?

Start back up

To resume or begin again, especially after a temporary stop or interruption.

Example

The computer started back up after the power outage.

Start back at

To return to a previous point or position in a sequence or process.

Example

After making a mistake, she had to start back at the beginning of the task.

Start back to

To return to a previous location or activity.

Example

After their vacation, they started back to their hometown.

Good things to know

Does “start back” have an informal or formal tone?

Start back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “start back”?

Synonyms

• resume
• restart
• return
• recommence
• continue
• begin again

Antonyms

• stop
• cease
• end
• halt
• pause
• suspend
• terminate