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A1 verb #116 most common 9 min read

start

Top 116

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips start in 30 Seconds

Explanation start in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'start' is one of the first verbs you learn. It is used to describe simple, everyday actions. You use it to talk about when things happen, like 'The class starts at 9:00.' You also use it for simple physical actions, like 'I start my car.' At this stage, the focus is on the present simple ('I start'), the present continuous ('I am starting'), and the simple past ('I started'). Learners use 'start' to sequence their day and describe their basic routines. It is a vital tool for survival English, allowing you to ask for the beginning time of events and to tell others when you are beginning a task. The grammar is kept simple, usually followed by a noun or a basic verb in the -ing form. The goal is clear communication of basic facts about time and activity initiation.

As an A2 learner, you begin to use 'start' in more varied sentence structures. You might start using it with the infinitive ('I started to read') and notice the slight differences between that and the gerund ('I started reading'). You also begin to use 'start' with a wider range of subjects, including abstract ones like 'The rain started' or 'The trouble started.' At this level, you might encounter phrasal verbs like 'start up' in the context of computers or businesses. You are expected to use the past tense 'started' correctly in stories and descriptions of past events. You also begin to understand 'start' as a noun, such as in the phrase 'a good start'. Your usage becomes more fluid, and you can use 'start' to connect different parts of a narrative, explaining the sequence of events more clearly.

At the B1 level, you use 'start' with greater precision and in more complex grammatical environments. You understand the nuance of using 'start' vs. 'begin' and can choose the appropriate word for the register of your conversation. You are comfortable using 'start' in the present perfect ('I have started') to talk about ongoing actions that began in the past. You also begin to use more idiomatic expressions involving 'start', such as 'start from scratch' or 'start the ball rolling'. Your ability to use 'start' in the passive voice ('The project was started last year') develops, allowing for more objective descriptions. You can also use 'start' to describe emotional or psychological states, such as 'starting to feel nervous'. At this level, 'start' becomes a versatile tool for both personal expression and professional communication.

By B2, your use of 'start' is sophisticated and natural. You can use it in a wide variety of idiomatic and phrasal contexts without hesitation. You understand the subtle implications of using 'start' in different registers—knowing when 'commence' or 'initiate' would be more appropriate for a formal essay. You can use 'start' to describe complex processes and systems, such as 'starting a chain reaction' or 'starting a revolution'. You are also adept at using 'start' in conditional sentences ('If we start now, we will finish early'). Your understanding of the word extends to its use in literature and media, where it might be used metaphorically. You can also distinguish between the different meanings of 'start' as a noun, such as 'a head start' or 'by fits and starts'.

At the C1 level, 'start' is used with high-level precision and stylistic flair. You can use it to create specific rhetorical effects in your writing and speaking. You are familiar with rare or specialized uses of the word, such as 'starting' as a physical reaction to surprise in a literary context. You can navigate complex phrasal verb combinations and idiomatic nuances with ease. Your choice of 'start' over its synonyms is always deliberate and based on a deep understanding of collocation and register. You can use 'start' to discuss abstract philosophical or scientific concepts, such as the 'start of the universe' or 'starting a dialogue' between conflicting groups. Your mastery of the word allows you to use it as a flexible instrument for nuanced communication in any professional or academic setting.

At the C2 level, your command of 'start' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You have a complete grasp of its etymological roots and how they influence its modern usage. You can use 'start' in the most complex and subtle ways, including wordplay, irony, and sophisticated metaphors. You are aware of the most obscure idioms and regional variations in its use. Whether you are writing a legal brief, a poetic masterpiece, or a technical manual, you use 'start' and its alternatives with perfect accuracy and stylistic appropriateness. You can analyze the use of 'start' in the works of great writers and understand how it contributes to the overall tone and meaning of a text. For you, 'start' is not just a word, but a multifaceted tool for precise and powerful expression.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

start in 30 Seconds

Start means to begin an action or process.
It is commonly used for machines and engines.
It can be followed by an -ing verb or to + verb.
The past tense is 'started' and it is a regular verb.

The verb start is one of the most essential building blocks in the English language, serving as the primary way to describe the beginning of an action, a process, or a physical movement. At its core, to start means to move from a state of rest or potential into a state of action. It is the spark that ignites a sequence of events. Whether you are turning the key in an ignition, opening the first page of a book, or embarking on a lifelong career, you are engaging in the act of starting. This word is incredibly versatile, functioning in almost every domain of human experience, from the mechanical to the emotional.

Physical Action: In physical contexts, starting often refers to the initiation of movement. A runner starts a race when the gun fires. A car starts when the engine begins to turn. This usage emphasizes the transition from stillness to motion.
Temporal Beginning: Temporally, we use start to mark the point in time when an event begins. A movie starts at 7:00 PM. The school year starts in September. It defines the boundary between 'before' and 'during'.
Initiating a Process: When we talk about projects or tasks, starting involves the first steps of creation. Starting a business, starting a conversation, or starting a fire all involve taking the initial action required to make something exist or happen.

I need to start my homework before it gets too late tonight.

The engine wouldn't start because the battery was completely dead.

Let's start the meeting by introducing our new team members.

She decided to start a new hobby to meet more people in her city.

When does the concert start? I don't want to miss the first song.

In everyday conversation, 'start' is used to organize time and expectations. When someone asks, 'When do we start?', they are seeking clarity on the schedule. When a teacher says, 'Please start your exams,' they are giving a formal command to begin a task. It is also used to describe the origin of a journey, as in 'We started our trip in London.' This sense of origin is vital for storytelling and reporting. Furthermore, 'start' can describe a sudden, involuntary movement of the body caused by surprise or fear, known as a 'startle' response, though this is less common in basic A1 contexts. Overall, mastering 'start' allows a learner to navigate the chronological flow of life, describing how things begin, how they are set in motion, and how new chapters are opened.

Using the word start correctly involves understanding its different grammatical structures. It can be used as a transitive verb (taking an object) or an intransitive verb (not taking an object). This flexibility makes it one of the most frequently used verbs in English across all proficiency levels.

Transitive Use (With an Object): When you start something, you are the agent of the action. Example: 'I started the engine.' Here, 'the engine' is the object being acted upon. This is common with machines, projects, and activities.
Intransitive Use (Without an Object): Sometimes, the subject itself begins to happen. Example: 'The movie starts at eight.' There is no object here; the movie is simply commencing its own action. This is frequently used for scheduled events.
Start + Verb-ing vs. Start + To-Verb: You can say 'It started raining' or 'It started to rain.' Both are correct. However, if 'start' is in a continuous form (starting), we usually use the infinitive: 'It is starting to rain' (not 'starting raining').

We will start the lesson as soon as everyone is seated.

He started to cry when he heard the sad news.

They started working on the project last Monday.

In more complex sentences, 'start' can be part of phrasal verbs like 'start up' or 'start over'. 'Start up' often refers to beginning a business or a machine, while 'start over' means to begin again from the very beginning because of a mistake or a change in plans. For A1 learners, focusing on the simple present ('I start'), simple past ('I started'), and future ('I will start') is the best way to build a strong foundation. Pay attention to the subject-verb agreement: 'He starts' vs. 'They start'. This small 's' is a common point of error for beginners. By practicing these patterns, you will be able to clearly communicate when and how things begin in your daily life.

You will hear start in almost every environment where English is spoken. It is a high-frequency word that appears in casual conversations, professional settings, and media broadcasts. Its utility makes it ubiquitous.

In the Workplace: Managers often say, 'Let's start the meeting,' or 'We need to start this project by Friday.' It is used to set deadlines and initiate collaborative efforts.
In Schools and Education: Teachers use it to manage the classroom: 'Start your work now,' or 'Class starts in five minutes.' It helps students understand the structure of their day.
In Technology and Mechanics: When using a computer, you might 'start' a program or 'restart' the system. If your car is broken, you might tell the mechanic, 'It won't start.'

The race will start in exactly ten seconds!

Can you start the dishwasher before you go to bed?

In movies and TV shows, you'll hear 'start' used to build tension or move the plot forward. 'Don't start with me!' is a common informal expression used when someone doesn't want to begin an argument. In music, lyrics often use 'start' to talk about new beginnings or the start of a relationship. Because it is so common, it is often spoken quickly, sometimes sounding like 'stah-t' in British English or with a sharp 'r' in American English. Listening for this word in various contexts will help you understand how native speakers transition between different parts of their day and how they describe the mechanics of the world around them.

Even though start is a basic word, there are several common pitfalls that learners should avoid to ensure their English sounds natural and is grammatically correct.

Confusing Start and Begin with Machines: A very common mistake is saying 'begin the car' or 'begin the computer'. In English, we almost exclusively use 'start' for engines, motors, and electronic devices. 'Begin' sounds very strange in these contexts.
Double -ing Forms: Avoid saying 'It is starting raining.' While 'It started raining' is correct, when 'start' is already in the -ing form, you should use the infinitive: 'It is starting to rain.'
Preposition Errors: Learners sometimes say 'start from a book' instead of 'start a book' or 'start with a book'. Usually, you start an activity directly (no preposition) or 'start with' a specific item or person.

Incorrect: I began the washing machine.
Correct: I started the washing machine.

Incorrect: She is starting cooking dinner.
Correct: She is starting to cook dinner.

Another subtle mistake is using 'start' when 'open' or 'create' might be more specific. For example, while you can 'start a file', you usually 'open a file' if it already exists. Similarly, you 'start a business', but you 'create a document'. Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the most precise word for the situation. Lastly, remember that 'start' can also be a noun ('a good start'), but as a verb, it always describes the action of beginning. By being mindful of these common errors, you can communicate more clearly and avoid the typical mistakes that identify someone as a beginner.

While start is a fantastic all-purpose word, English offers several alternatives that can add variety and precision to your speech and writing.

Begin: The most common synonym. 'Begin' is slightly more formal and is often used for abstract concepts or long-term processes. You 'begin a journey' or 'begin a new life'.
Commence: Very formal. You will mostly see this in legal documents, formal ceremonies, or academic writing. 'The graduation ceremony will commence at noon.'
Initiate: To set a process in motion, often a complex or official one. 'The government initiated a new policy.' It implies a deliberate, planned start.
Launch: Used for starting something big, like a product, a website, or a rocket. It carries a sense of excitement and public introduction.

Let's kick off the meeting with a quick update. (Informal/Idiomatic)

The company will launch its new app next month.

Choosing the right word depends on the context and the 'flavor' you want to give your sentence. If you are talking to a friend about a movie, 'start' is perfect. If you are writing a formal report for a university, 'commence' or 'initiate' might be better choices. There are also informal phrasal verbs like 'get going' or 'get moving' which imply starting a physical journey or a task. For example, 'We should get going if we want to arrive on time.' By expanding your vocabulary beyond just 'start', you can express yourself with more nuance and adapt your language to different social and professional situations.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The original meaning of 'start' as a sudden jump is still seen today when we say someone 'started in surprise'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /stɑːt/

US /stɑːrt/

The stress is on the only syllable: START.

Rhymes With

heart part art cart smart chart dart mart

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' too softly in American English.
Making the 'a' sound too short, like in 'cat'.
Adding an extra vowel sound at the end, like 'start-uh'.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'state'.
Not pronouncing the final 't' clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it is a short, common word.

Writing 1/5

Simple spelling and regular conjugation make it easy to write.

Speaking 1/5

High frequency makes it a natural part of basic speech.

Listening 1/5

Clearly pronounced and easy to distinguish in most accents.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

go do work time now

Learn Next

begin finish continue prepare launch

Advanced

commence initiate instigate originate inaugurate

Grammar to Know

Gerund vs. Infinitive

I started reading / I started to read.

Regular Verb Conjugation

start, started, started.

Third Person Singular

He starts, she starts, it starts.

Present Continuous for Future

We are starting the project tomorrow.

Phrasal Verbs

Start up, start over, start out.

Examples by Level

I start work at nine o'clock.

Je commence le travail à neuf heures.

Present simple for a routine.

The movie starts now.

Le film commence maintenant.

Present simple for a scheduled event.

Can you start the car?

Peux-tu démarrer la voiture ?

Imperative/Request form.

We started our lunch at noon.

Nous avons commencé notre déjeuner à midi.

Simple past of a regular verb.

She starts her homework after school.

Elle commence ses devoirs après l'école.

Third person singular 's'.

It is starting to rain.

Il commence à pleuvoir.

Present continuous + infinitive.

Let's start the game!

Commençons le jeu !

Suggestion with 'Let's'.

I want to start a new hobby.

Je veux commencer un nouveau passe-temps.

Infinitive after 'want'.

He started learning English last year.

Il a commencé à apprendre l'anglais l'année dernière.

Start + gerund.

The engine started with a loud noise.

Le moteur a démarré avec un grand bruit.

Simple past with a prepositional phrase.

They are starting a small business together.

Ils lancent une petite entreprise ensemble.

Present continuous for a planned action.

When did you start playing the guitar?

Quand as-tu commencé à jouer de la guitare ?

Past simple question.

I need to start over because I made a mistake.

Je dois recommencer parce que j'ai fait une erreur.

Phrasal verb 'start over'.

The fire started in the kitchen.

Le feu a commencé dans la cuisine.

Intransitive use in the past.

We should start our journey early tomorrow.

Nous devrions commencer notre voyage tôt demain.

Modal verb 'should' + base form.

She started to feel better after the medicine.

Elle a commencé à se sentir mieux après le médicament.

Start + infinitive for a change in state.

I have already started the report you asked for.

J'ai déjà commencé le rapport que vous avez demandé.

Present perfect for a recently started action.

Let's start the ball rolling by sharing our ideas.

Commençons à faire bouger les choses en partageant nos idées.

Idiom: 'start the ball rolling'.

The project was started by the previous manager.

Le projet a été commencé par l'ancien manager.

Passive voice.

I'm starting to realize how difficult this is.

Je commence à réaliser à quel point c'est difficile.

Present continuous for a gradual realization.

He started out as a waiter before becoming a chef.

Il a commencé comme serveur avant de devenir chef.

Phrasal verb 'start out'.

If we start now, we can finish by five.

Si nous commençons maintenant, nous pouvons finir pour cinq heures.

First conditional.

The sudden noise made me start in surprise.

Le bruit soudain m'a fait sursauter de surprise.

Start meaning to jump or flinch.

She decided to start a family in her thirties.

Elle a décidé de fonder une famille dans la trentaine.

Collocation: 'start a family'.

We had to start from scratch after the data was lost.

Nous avons dû repartir de zéro après la perte des données.

Idiom: 'start from scratch'.

The company is starting up a new branch in Tokyo.

L'entreprise lance une nouvelle succursale à Tokyo.

Phrasal verb 'start up' for business.

The engine finally started after several attempts.

Le moteur a finalement démarré après plusieurs tentatives.

Adverbial phrase 'after several attempts'.

His comments started a heated debate in the office.

Ses commentaires ont déclenché un débat houleux au bureau.

Metaphorical use for initiating a conflict.

I'll start by outlining the main objectives.

Je vais commencer par exposer les objectifs principaux.

Start + by + -ing.

The rain started just as we stepped outside.

La pluie a commencé juste au moment où nous sommes sortis.

Temporal conjunction 'just as'.

You need to start taking your health seriously.

Tu dois commencer à prendre ta santé au sérieux.

Start + gerund with an adverb.

The protest started a chain reaction of events.

La manifestation a déclenché une réaction en chaîne d'événements.

Causal relationship.

The initiative was started to combat urban poverty.

L'initiative a été lancée pour lutter contre la pauvreté urbaine.

Passive voice with an infinitive of purpose.

She started at the sound of the door slamming.

Elle a sursauté au bruit de la porte qui claque.

Intransitive use for a physical reaction.

To start with, the budget is completely inadequate.

Pour commencer, le budget est tout à fait insuffisant.

Discourse marker 'To start with'.

The book starts with a vivid description of the sea.

Le livre commence par une description vivante de la mer.

Start + with for literary analysis.

He started his career in the mailroom of a law firm.

Il a commencé sa carrière au service du courrier d'un cabinet d'avocats.

Describing career progression.

The car started up instantly despite the freezing cold.

La voiture a démarré instantanément malgré le froid glacial.

Phrasal verb 'start up' with a concession clause.

The research started a new dialogue on climate change.

La recherche a entamé un nouveau dialogue sur le changement climatique.

Abstract metaphorical use.

Don't start that argument again, please.

Ne recommence pas cette dispute, s'il te plaît.

Imperative for emotional management.

The engine's failure to start proved catastrophic.

L'échec du démarrage du moteur s'est avéré catastrophique.

Infinitive as a noun complement.

He started as if he had seen a ghost.

Il a sursauté comme s'il avait vu un fantôme.

Simile with the 'startle' sense of start.

The movement started a paradigm shift in the industry.

Le mouvement a amorcé un changement de paradigme dans l'industrie.

Academic/Professional terminology.

It's high time we started addressing these issues.

Il est grand temps que nous commencions à aborder ces problèmes.

Subjunctive mood after 'It's high time'.

The play starts in media res, plunging the audience into the action.

La pièce commence in media res, plongeant le public dans l'action.

Literary term 'in media res'.

Starting a conversation with a stranger can be daunting.

Engager une conversation avec un étranger peut être intimidant.

Gerund as a subject.

The fire was started deliberately, according to the report.

Le feu a été allumé délibérément, selon le rapport.

Passive voice with an adverb of manner.

Let us start by acknowledging the traditional owners of this land.

Commençons par reconnaître les propriétaires traditionnels de cette terre.

Formal introductory phrase.

Synonyms

begin commence initiate launch open activate

Antonyms

stop finish end

Common Collocations

start a car

start a fire

start a business

start a conversation

start a family

start a fight

start a new life

start from scratch

start the engine

start a rumor

Common Phrases

To start with

— Used to introduce the first point in a list or argument.

To start with, we don't have enough money.

Start over

— To begin something again from the beginning.

I made a mistake, so I have to start over.

Start up

— To begin a business or to make a machine start working.

He is starting up a new tech company.

Start out

— To begin a journey or a career in a particular way.

She started out as an intern.

Don't start!

— Used to tell someone not to begin complaining or arguing.

Don't start! I know I'm late.

Start small

— To begin a project or business on a modest scale.

You should start small and grow your business slowly.

Start fresh

— To begin something again with a new approach or attitude.

After the divorce, she wanted to start fresh.

Start a trend

— To begin something that many other people then copy.

Her unique style started a trend among teenagers.

Start a movement

— To initiate a series of organized activities by a group of people.

The activist started a movement for civil rights.

Start a clock

— To begin timing an event.

Start the clock as soon as the runner crosses the line.

Often Confused With

start vs begin

Begin is more formal; start is used for machines.

start vs open

Use open for physical objects like doors or digital files.

start vs create

Use create when making something entirely new from nothing.

Idioms & Expressions

"Start the ball rolling"

— To do something that starts an activity or process.

I'll start the ball rolling by giving my presentation first.

Neutral

"Start from scratch"

— To begin from the very beginning, without using anything that existed before.

We lost all our work, so we had to start from scratch.

Neutral

"A head start"

— An advantage that someone has over others at the beginning of a competition or task.

Knowing the language gave her a head start in the job market.

Neutral

"Fits and starts"

— Doing something in a way that is not regular or continuous.

The project progressed in fits and starts due to lack of funding.

Informal

"Start off on the right foot"

— To begin a relationship or task in a positive and successful way.

I want to start off on the right foot with my new boss.

Informal

"Start off on the wrong foot"

— To begin a relationship or task in a negative or unsuccessful way.

We started off on the wrong foot when I forgot his name.

Informal

"Don't start what you can't finish"

— A warning not to begin a task or argument that you are unable to complete or win.

Be careful; don't start what you can't finish.

Informal

"Start a new chapter"

— To begin a new and different period in one's life.

Retirement is the perfect time to start a new chapter.

Neutral

"To start with a clean slate"

— To start something again without any of the problems or mistakes of the past.

Moving to a new city allowed him to start with a clean slate.

Neutral

"Start something"

— To behave in a way that is likely to cause an argument or fight.

Are you trying to start something with me?

Slang/Informal

Easily Confused

start vs begin

They have almost the same meaning.

Start is more common in speech and used for machines. Begin is more formal and used for abstract concepts.

I started the car (Correct). I began the car (Incorrect).

start vs commence

It is a synonym.

Commence is extremely formal and rarely used in daily conversation.

The ceremony will commence shortly.

start vs initiate

It is a synonym.

Initiate implies a more deliberate or official starting of a process.

The police initiated an investigation.

start vs launch

It means to start something new.

Launch is specifically for products, websites, or large projects.

They launched the new app today.

start vs restart

It contains the word 'start'.

Restart means to start something again after it has stopped.

I need to restart my computer.

Sentence Patterns

I start [noun] at [time].

I start work at 8:00.

The [event] starts at [time].

The movie starts at 7:00.

I started [verb-ing] [time ago].

I started learning English two years ago.

Can you start the [machine]?

Can you start the dishwasher?

I have started to [verb].

I have started to exercise more.

Let's start by [verb-ing].

Let's start by reviewing the notes.

It's time to start [verb-ing].

It's time to start thinking about the future.

To start with, [sentence].

To start with, the evidence is inconclusive.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

I began the car. → I started the car.
We use 'start' for machines and engines, not 'begin'.
It is starting raining. → It is starting to rain.
When 'start' is in the -ing form, use the infinitive for the next verb.
He start work at 9. → He starts work at 9.
Third person singular subjects require an 's' on the verb in the present simple.
I started from the book. → I started the book.
You don't need the preposition 'from' when you begin reading or using something.
We start the journey in London. → We started the journey in London.
If the journey happened in the past, you must use the past tense 'started'.

Tips

Verb Patterns

Remember that 'start' can be followed by both '-ing' and 'to + verb'. Both 'start working' and 'start to work' are correct.

Machines

Always use 'start' for cars, computers, and other machines. Never use 'begin' for these items.

Natural Phrasing

In daily conversation, 'start' is much more common than 'begin'. Use 'start' to sound more like a native speaker.

Transitions

Use 'To start with' at the beginning of a paragraph to introduce your first point clearly.

The Ball Rolling

Use 'start the ball rolling' when you want to be the first person to take action in a group project.

Double T?

When adding '-ing' or '-ed', do NOT double the 't'. It is 'starting' and 'started', not 'startting' or 'startted'.

The -ed Sound

The '-ed' in 'started' is pronounced as an extra syllable: /ɪd/. Practice saying 'start-ed'.

Startups

If you are interested in business, learn the word 'startup' as it is very common in modern professional English.

Conversations

To 'start a conversation', try asking a simple question like 'How is your day going?'

Third Person

Don't forget the 's' for 'he/she/it'. Say 'He starts his car,' not 'He start his car.'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

S-T-A-R-T: Set The Action Right Today. This helps you remember that starting is about taking action now.

Visual Association

Imagine a race car at a starting line, revving its engine and waiting for the green light.

Word Web

Begin Engine Race Morning First Action New Launch

Challenge

Try to use the word 'start' in three different sentences today: one about your morning, one about a machine, and one about a project.

Word Origin

The word 'start' comes from the Middle English 'sterten', which meant to leap, jump, or move suddenly. It is related to the Old English 'styrtan'.

Original meaning: To move suddenly or to jump in surprise.

Germanic

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but be careful using 'start' in the sense of 'startle' as it can imply someone is easily frightened.

In English-speaking countries, punctuality is often valued, so 'starting on time' is a common social and professional expectation.

The movie 'Star Wars' starts with the famous scrolling text. The song 'Start Me Up' by The Rolling Stones. The phrase 'A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step' by Lao Tzu.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Daily Routine

start the day
start work
start breakfast
start school

Technology

start the computer
start the app
start the download
restart the device

Travel

start the trip
start the engine
start the journey
start the hike

Education

start the lesson
start the exam
start the course
start the semester

Socializing

start a conversation
start a game
start a story
start a meeting

Conversation Starters

"What time do you usually start your day?"

"When did you start learning English?"

"Have you ever wanted to start your own business?"

"How do you start a conversation with someone new?"

"What is the best way to start a productive morning?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you started something new and felt nervous.

Describe how you start your typical Monday morning.

If you could start any project today, what would it be?

Think about a book or movie that had a great start. Why was it good?

What are the most important things to do when starting a new job?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should always use 'start' for machines, engines, and electronic devices. 'Begin' sounds unnatural in this context.

There is almost no difference in meaning. Both are correct and used frequently by native speakers.

Yes, 'start' is a regular verb. You form the past tense and past participle by adding '-ed'.

Use 'commence' only in very formal situations, like a graduation ceremony or a legal document.

It means to begin something from the very beginning, without using any previous work or materials.

Yes, 'start' can be a noun meaning the beginning of something, as in 'the start of the race'.

Use 'am/is/are + starting' to describe an action that is beginning right now.

It is a common way to tell someone not to begin complaining or arguing about a topic.

No, if 'start' is in the -ing form, the following verb should be an infinitive: 'It is starting to rain'.

A 'startup' is a noun that refers to a newly established business, usually in the technology sector.