What does the phrasal verb “start out” mean?

What are the definitions of “start out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Begin a journey.

  We STARTED OUT early in the morning.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb start out is to begin a journey or an activity. It is often used when talking about the beginning of a trip, a project, or a new phase in life.

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

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

Example

They start out on their road trip tomorrow.

Example

She starts out her new job next week.

Example

He is starting out on his first day of college.

Example

We started out our vacation with a visit to the beach.

Example

They had started out on their journey when it began to rain.

What kind of phrasal verb is “start out”?

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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 out” 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

We started out early in the morning.

Example

She started out on her new adventure with excitement.

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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 out” 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

We started out early in the morning.

Example

She started out on her new adventure with excitement.

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

Start out as

Begin in a certain role or position, often with the implication of later change or development.

Example

She started out as an intern, but quickly worked her way up to a managerial position.

Start out with

Begin an activity or process with a specific item, resource, or intention.

Example

They started out with a small budget, but eventually secured more funding for their project.

Start out on the right/wrong foot

Begin a relationship or situation in a positive or negative way.

Example

He wanted to start out on the right foot with his new boss, so he arrived early to their first meeting.

Good things to know

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

Start out 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.

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

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

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