What are the definitions of “start off on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Help someone to start a piece or work or activity.
I STARTED her OFF ON the project then left her to finish it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “start off on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb start off on is to help someone begin a task, project, or activity. It means providing initial guidance or assistance to someone before they continue working on their own.
What are the different verb forms of “start off on”?
| Root Verb | start off on |
| Third Person Singular Present | starts off on |
| Present Participle | starting off on |
| Simple Past | started off on |
| Past Participle | started off on |
Example
I start off on the project and then let my team take over.
Example
She starts off on her homework and then asks for help if needed.
Example
He is starting off on a new painting and will finish it later.
Example
Yesterday, they started off on their road trip adventure.
Example
The project was started off on by the team leader before the rest of the team joined.
What kind of phrasal verb is “start off on”?
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 on” 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
I started her off on the project and then left her to finish it.
Example
He started the team off on the task before leaving for the day.
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 on” 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
I started her off on the project and then left her to finish it.
Example
He started the team off on the task before leaving for the day.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “start off on”?
Good things to know
Does “start off on” have an informal or formal tone?
Start off on 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, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
