Start work.
Begin one's job tasks.
Use `start work` to clearly signal the beginning of your job responsibilities.
Phrase in 30 Seconds
Use 'start work' to describe the exact moment or time you begin your professional tasks for the day.
- Means: To begin your job duties at a specific time.
- Used in: Daily schedules, job interviews, and casual morning conversations.
- Don't confuse: Avoid saying 'start the work' when talking about your general daily routine.
Explanation at your level:
15초 만에
- Begin your job duties.
- Signals the start of the workday.
- Common in professional and casual settings.
- Use when commencing tasks.
뜻
이 구문은 하루의 업무를 시작하거나 새로운 프로젝트를 시작할 때를 의미합니다. 목적과 행동의 느낌을 전달하며, 비즈니스를 시작하고 생산적으로 될 시간임을 알립니다. 당신의 책임을 시작하기 위한 공식적인 녹색 신호라고 생각하세요.
주요 예문
3 / 11Texting a friend
Hey, finally got my coffee! Ready to `start work` now.
Hey, finally got my coffee! Ready to begin my job tasks now.
At a café
I'll just finish this chapter, then I need to `start work` on my freelance project.
I'll just finish this chapter, then I need to begin my job tasks on my freelance project.
Job interview (Zoom call)
I typically `start work` around 8:30 AM after I've had my morning coffee and reviewed my emails.
I typically begin my job tasks around 8:30 AM after I've had my morning coffee and reviewed my emails.
문화적 배경
The '9-to-5' is the iconic start and end time, though 'hustle culture' often means people start work much earlier, checking emails as soon as they wake up. Punctuality is a sign of respect. If you start work at 8:00, you are expected to be at your desk and ready, not just walking through the door. Many companies have a 'Chorei' or morning meeting where the whole team starts work together with announcements or even light exercise. Work often starts later (around 9:30 or 10:00 AM) and includes a long mid-day break, meaning the 'start' of the afternoon session is also a significant moment.
The 'No-The' Rule
Remember: 'Start work' (routine) vs 'Start the work' (a specific pile of bricks or a specific report). 99% of the time, you want 'start work'.
Work vs Job
You 'start work' but you 'start a job'. Don't say 'I start job at nine'.
15초 만에
- Begin your job duties.
- Signals the start of the workday.
- Common in professional and casual settings.
- Use when commencing tasks.
What It Means
This phrase is super straightforward! It means to begin your job tasks. It’s the moment you actually *do* your work. You're not just thinking about it; you're doing it. It’s like the starting gun for your workday.
How To Use It
You use start work when you officially begin your job duties. This could be at the beginning of your day, after a break, or when you're assigned a new task. It’s a common way to announce your transition into work mode. Just say it like you mean it!
Real-Life Examples
Imagine your boss walks by your desk. You could say, "I'm just about to start work on that report." Or maybe you're texting a friend: "Finally got my coffee, ready to start work now!" It’s used in many everyday situations. It’s also great for vlogs: "Okay guys, the office is buzzing, time to start work!"
When To Use It
Use start work when you want to indicate the beginning of your professional duties. This applies to any job, from office work to construction. It’s perfect for announcing you’re transitioning from leisure to labor. Think of it as the official signal to get productive. It’s also useful when discussing project timelines. "We'll start work on the new campaign Monday." So, whenever you're ready to clock in, this phrase is your go-to.
When NOT To Use It
You wouldn't use start work for starting a hobby or a game. For example, you wouldn't say "I'm going to start work on my painting" unless you're a professional artist getting paid for it. For fun activities, you'd use words like start, begin, or get started. It’s specifically for your job. Don't confuse your leisure time with your labor time; that's a recipe for a weird day!
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mix up start work with other phrases. For instance, saying "I will make work" sounds like you're creating a job, not doing one. Or "I will do work" is too general and less specific than start work. The most common slip-up is using start job, which isn't a natural English collocation. It sounds a bit like you're literally beginning the concept of employment itself, which is awkward!
Similar Expressions
There are other ways to say you're beginning your job. Get to work is very similar and often interchangeable. Begin work is a bit more formal. Clock in is specific to physically or digitally recording your start time. Commence work is quite formal, often used in official documents or speeches. Each has a slightly different flavor, like different coffee blends!
Common Variations
You might hear "Let's start work!" as an encouragement. Or "Time to start work." Sometimes people add details: "I need to start work on the presentation." Or "When can you start work on this?" It's a flexible phrase that fits many sentence structures. It’s like a chameleon of the workplace!
Memory Trick
Imagine a START button on a video game console. When you press it, the game WORKS! Your job is like that game. When you press the START button (of your day), your job WORKS. So, START + WORK = time to play the job game!
Quick FAQ
Q. Is start work formal or informal?
A. It's generally neutral, fitting most situations from casual chats to professional settings. You can use it without worrying too much about sounding too stiff or too casual. It's the reliable middle ground.
Q. Can I say start my work?
A. Yes, you can! Adding my makes it slightly more personal, like "I need to start my work on the proposal." It’s perfectly natural and common. It just emphasizes that the work belongs to you.
Q. What's the difference between start work and get to work?
A. They are very similar! Get to work often implies a bit more urgency or a transition from something else. Start work is simply the beginning. Think of get to work as "Okay, *now* I’m doing it!" while start work is just the signal that it’s beginning.
사용 참고사항
This is a versatile, neutral phrase suitable for most contexts. Avoid using it for hobbies or personal projects; reserve it strictly for professional tasks. Be mindful not to confuse it with 'make work' (creating tasks) or 'start my job' (beginning employment).
The 'No-The' Rule
Remember: 'Start work' (routine) vs 'Start the work' (a specific pile of bricks or a specific report). 99% of the time, you want 'start work'.
Work vs Job
You 'start work' but you 'start a job'. Don't say 'I start job at nine'.
Preposition Power
Master 'at' for time and 'on' for days. It makes you sound much more fluent instantly.
예시
11Hey, finally got my coffee! Ready to `start work` now.
Hey, finally got my coffee! Ready to begin my job tasks now.
This shows a casual transition into the workday.
I'll just finish this chapter, then I need to `start work` on my freelance project.
I'll just finish this chapter, then I need to begin my job tasks on my freelance project.
Indicates the beginning of a specific work task.
I typically `start work` around 8:30 AM after I've had my morning coffee and reviewed my emails.
I typically begin my job tasks around 8:30 AM after I've had my morning coffee and reviewed my emails.
Describes a regular work routine in a professional context.
New week, new goals! Let's `start work` and make it happen. 💪 #MotivationMonday #WorkLife
New week, new goals! Let's begin our job tasks and make it happen. 💪 #MotivationMonday #WorkLife
An encouraging post to begin the work week.
Alright team, we've discussed the plan. Let's `start work` on phase one.
Alright team, we've discussed the plan. Let's begin our job tasks on phase one.
A directive to begin a project or task.
Okay, the sun is up, the coffee is brewing... time to `start work`!
Okay, the sun is up, the coffee is brewing... time to begin my job tasks!
A lighthearted announcement to begin the workday for content.
✗ I need to make work on this report. → ✓ I need to start work on this report.
✗ I need to create job tasks on this report. → ✓ I need to begin my job tasks on this report.
`Make work` implies creating a job, not doing one.
✗ I have to do work now. → ✓ I have to start work now.
✗ I have to perform tasks now. → ✓ I have to begin my job tasks now.
`Do work` is too general; `start work` is more specific to initiating duties.
After a long illness, I’m finally able to `start work` again. It feels amazing.
After a long illness, I’m finally able to begin my job tasks again. It feels amazing.
Expresses relief and accomplishment at resuming work.
I'm free after 2 PM, so I can `start work` on your request then.
I'm free after 2 PM, so I can begin my job tasks on your request then.
Indicates when one is available to begin a task.
My cat is currently 'supervising' my desk. Once she finishes her nap, I'll `start work`.
My cat is currently 'supervising' my desk. Once she finishes her nap, I'll begin my job tasks.
A lighthearted way to describe a delay before starting work.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the missing preposition.
I start work ___ 9:00 AM.
We use 'at' for specific times on the clock.
Which sentence is the most natural for a daily routine?
Choose the best option:
'Start work' is the standard zero-article collocation for daily routines.
Complete the dialogue.
A: When do you start your new job? B: I _______ next Monday.
The present simple is used here for a scheduled future event.
Match the phrase to the context.
Match 'Start work on the report' with the correct context:
Using 'on' after 'start work' indicates a specific project or task.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
When to use 'Start Work'
Daily Routine
- • I start work at 9.
- • She starts work early.
New Job
- • I start work on Monday.
- • Start work at a bank.
Specific Task
- • Start work on the report.
- • Start work on the garden.
연습 문제 은행
12 연습 문제It's 9 AM, time to ___ work!
`Start work` is the most common collocation for beginning job tasks.
Once the coffee kicks in, I can finally ___ work.
`Start work` is the most natural and common phrase here, fitting a neutral register.
실수를 찾아 수정하세요:
I will do work after lunch.
`Start work` is a specific collocation for beginning job duties, whereas `do work` is too general.
실수를 찾아 수정하세요:
He plans to make work on the project tomorrow.
`Make work` means to create employment or tasks, not to perform them. `Start work` is the correct phrase for initiating job duties.
올바른 순서로 단어를 배열하세요:
위의 단어를 클릭하여 문장을 만드세요
This reorders the words into a common and natural sentence using `start work`.
올바른 순서로 단어를 배열하세요:
위의 단어를 클릭하여 문장을 만드세요
This reorders the words to form a standard sentence indicating the timing of starting work.
Empecé a trabajar temprano.
힌트: 'Empecé' is the past tense of 'empezar' (to start)., 'Temprano' means 'early'.
This translates the Spanish sentence using the past tense of `start work`.
Quand est-ce que tu commences le travail ?
힌트: 'Quand est-ce que' means 'when'., 'Commences' is from 'commencer' (to start).
This translates the French question into a natural English question using `start work`.
Which sentence uses 'start work' correctly?
`Start work` is the correct collocation for beginning job duties. The other options are grammatically incorrect or unnatural.
Which sentence best describes beginning a professional task?
`Start work` is the most common and appropriate phrase for initiating professional tasks. `Begin my job` is less common, and `make work` and `do my work` are incorrect in this context.
왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:
This exercise helps differentiate `start work` from similar phrases by matching them to their specific meanings.
왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:
This exercise focuses on the subtle differences in meaning and usage between `start work` and related phrases.
🎉 점수: /12
비디오 튜토리얼
이 표현에 대한 YouTube 동영상 강좌를 찾아보세요.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, it is perfectly correct and means the same thing as 'I start work at 9'. 'Start work' is just a slightly more common fixed phrase.
It is neutral. It's fine for a boss, a friend, or a stranger.
The most common opposite is 'finish work' or 'leave work'.
No, always use 'on' for days. 'I start work on Monday'.
Usually, we say 'start school' or 'start classes' instead of 'start work'.
It can mean 'arrive at the office' or 'begin working with energy'. It's more informal.
Use 'start' for I/you/we/they and 'starts' for he/she/it. 'She starts work at 8'.
Yes, if you have a night shift, you can say 'I start work at night'.
Simply say 'I am available to start work on [date]'. It sounds professional.
No. Onboarding is the process of training. 'Starting work' is the actual act of beginning your duties.
관련 표현
get to work
similarTo begin working, often with energy.
clock in
specialized formTo record the time you arrive at work.
go to work
similarTo travel to your workplace.
set to work
similarTo begin a task with determination.
commence employment
specialized formTo start a new job.
어디서 쓸까?
Morning at the office
Colleague: Hey, did you just arrive?
You: Yes, I start work in five minutes.
Job Interview
Interviewer: If we hire you, when can you start work?
You: I can start work next Monday.
Remote Work / Slack
Friend: Want to play a game?
You: I can't, I just started work. Maybe later!
Construction Site
Foreman: The sun is up! Let's start work on the foundation.
Worker: Copy that, getting the tools now.
Retail / Shift work
Manager: Who starts work at noon today?
Employee: That's me. I'll be on register four.
Freelancing
Client: When will you begin the illustrations?
Freelancer: I'll start work on them this afternoon.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
S.T.A.R.T. - Sit, Turn on, Act, Ready, Task.
Visual Association
Imagine a runner at the starting blocks, but instead of a track, they are at a desk with a laptop. The 'gun' is your alarm clock.
Rhyme
When the clock strikes eight, don't be late to start work at the gate.
Story
Leo wakes up at 7:00. He drinks coffee at 7:30. He drives to the office at 8:00. Finally, he sits at his desk and 'starts work' at 8:30. The coffee was the fuel, but the desk is where the work starts.
Word Web
챌린지
Tomorrow morning, the exact second you begin your first task, say out loud: 'I am starting work now!'
In Other Languages
Empezar a trabajar
Spanish uses a preposition 'a' and often an article 'el'.
Commencer le travail
Mandatory use of the definite article in French.
Die Arbeit beginnen
Word order and mandatory article usage.
仕事を開始する (Shigoto o kaishi suru)
Use of particles and different levels of kanji formality.
يبدأ العمل (Yabda' al-'amal)
Verb conjugation for gender and the 'al-' prefix.
开始工作 (Kāishǐ gōngzuò)
Almost no difference in structure.
일을 시작하다 (I-reul si-jak-ha-da)
Agglutinative structure with object markers.
Começar a trabalhar
Use of the preposition 'a' before the verb.
Easily Confused
Learners use 'go to work' when they mean the time they begin tasks.
Use 'go' for the travel/commute and 'start' for the time you sit down to work.
Adding 'the' makes it sound like a specific physical object.
Never use 'the' for your general daily job routine.
자주 묻는 질문 (10)
Yes, it is perfectly correct and means the same thing as 'I start work at 9'. 'Start work' is just a slightly more common fixed phrase.
It is neutral. It's fine for a boss, a friend, or a stranger.
The most common opposite is 'finish work' or 'leave work'.
No, always use 'on' for days. 'I start work on Monday'.
Usually, we say 'start school' or 'start classes' instead of 'start work'.
It can mean 'arrive at the office' or 'begin working with energy'. It's more informal.
Use 'start' for I/you/we/they and 'starts' for he/she/it. 'She starts work at 8'.
Yes, if you have a night shift, you can say 'I start work at night'.
Simply say 'I am available to start work on [date]'. It sounds professional.
No. Onboarding is the process of training. 'Starting work' is the actual act of beginning your duties.
