What are the definitions of “start on at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Criticise or nag.
He STARTED ON AT me for being late.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “start on at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb start on at is to criticize or nag someone, usually for something they have done or not done. It is often used when someone is being scolded or reprimanded.
What are the different verb forms of “start on at”?
| Root Verb | start on at |
| Third Person Singular Present | starts on at |
| Present Participle | starting on at |
| Simple Past | started on at |
| Past Participle | started 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.
Example
He is starting on at his friend for being late to the meeting.
Example
Yesterday, the teacher started on at the student for not doing their homework.
Example
The coach had started on at the team for their poor performance.
What kind of phrasal verb is “start on at”?
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 on at” 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 on at her brother for not cleaning his room.
Example
He started on at me for being late.
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 on at” 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 on at her brother for not cleaning his room.
Example
He started on at me for being late.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “start on at”?
Good things to know
Does “start on at” have an informal or formal tone?
Start on at is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It is not commonly used in formal settings or written language. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'criticize' or 'reprimand' can be used.
