What are the definitions of “start out as”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1Begin life, existence or a career.
What had STARTED OUT AS a protest quickly turned into a full - blown rebellion.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb start out as is to begin life, existence, or a career in a particular way or as a specific thing. It often refers to the initial stage of something that later changes or develops.

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

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

Example

She started out as a receptionist before becoming the company's CEO.

Example

He starts out as a waiter but dreams of becoming a famous chef.

Example

They are starting out as interns, hoping to gain valuable experience.

Example

The business started out as a small online store and grew into a large retail chain.

Example

The successful author had started out as a freelance writer.

What kind of phrasal verb is “start out as”?

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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 as” 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

She started out as a receptionist.

Example

The business started out as a small online store.

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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 as” 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 out as a receptionist.

Example

The business started out as a small online store.

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

Start out on the wrong foot

Begin a relationship or situation with a negative or unfavorable impression.

Example

They started out on the wrong foot when they first met, but eventually became good friends.

Start out with a bang

Begin something with great energy, enthusiasm, or success.

Example

The new restaurant started out with a bang, receiving rave reviews from customers and critics alike.

Start out small

Begin with modest resources, ambitions, or expectations, often with the intention of growing or expanding later.

Example

They decided to start out small and gradually expand their business as they gained more experience.

Good things to know

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

Start out as 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 as”?

Synonyms

begin as
commence as
embark as
initiate as
launch as

Antonyms

end as
conclude as
terminate as
finish as
cease as