What are the definitions of “start on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Begin to use or consume.
It's time to START ON that bottle of wine.
- 2Criticise angrily.
The manager was furious and STARTED ON her staff for not trying hard enough.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “start on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb start on is to begin using or consuming something. For example, it can mean starting to eat a meal, drink a beverage, or use a product.
What are the different verb forms of “start on”?
| Root Verb | start on |
| Third Person Singular Present | starts on |
| Present Participle | starting on |
| Simple Past | started on |
| Past Participle | started on |
Example
I will start on my homework after dinner.
Example
She starts on her new project tomorrow.
Example
He is starting on his lunch now.
Example
Yesterday, they started on their journey to the mountains.
Example
The work has already been started on by the team.
What kind of phrasal verb is “start 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 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
She started on her dinner.
Example
He started on the new book he bought.
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” 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 her dinner.
Example
He started on the new book he bought.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “start on”?
Good things to know
Does “start on” have an informal or formal tone?
Start on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
