What does the phrasal verb “start off” mean?

What are the definitions of “start off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Make something start.

  They STARTED OFF the meeting with an attack on our performance.

• 2. Begin life, a career or existence.

  She STARTED OFF as a receptionist and ended up as the CEO.

• 3. Begin a journey.

  We STARTED OFF early because we knew the journey would take all day.

• 4. Make someone laugh.

  I was trying to be serious, but their comment STARTED me OFF.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb start off is to begin something, such as an event, a process, or a journey. It can also refer to the beginning of a person's career or life.

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

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

Example

Let's start off the meeting with a quick introduction.

Example

He starts off his day with a cup of coffee.

Example

She is starting off her new job next week.

Example

They started off their vacation with a trip to the beach.

Example

The event started off with a speech from the guest speaker.

What kind of phrasal verb is “start off”?

📝

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.)

Transitive verb

“start off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She started off her career as a teacher.

Example

They started off the meeting with a presentation.

📝

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 off” 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

She started off her career as a teacher.

Example

They started off the meeting with a presentation.

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

Start off on the right foot

To begin a relationship or situation in a positive way.

Example

They wanted to start off on the right foot, so they arrived early and prepared for the meeting.

Start off with a bang

To begin something with a lot of energy or excitement.

Example

The concert started off with a bang, as the band played their most popular song first.

Start off small

To begin something with modest goals or expectations, often with the intention of growing or expanding later.

Example

She decided to start off small with her business, selling her products at local markets before opening a store.

Good things to know

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

Start off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or presentations.

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

Synonyms

• begin
• commence
• initiate
• launch
• embark
• open
• set out
• kick off

Antonyms

• end
• close
• complete
• finish
• conclude
• terminate
• wrap up