Phrasal verb
start off
Meanings
to begin an activity, event, or process
to begin in a particular way or with a particular feeling or condition
Definition
To start off means to begin something, especially an activity, event, or process.
Start off is a common phrasal verb meaning “begin.” You can use it for events, conversations, routines, or tasks, often to describe what happens at the very beginning. It can also describe how something begins (for example, in a good or bad way).
Examples
- I like to start off my morning with a short walk.
- You can start off the presentation with a quick overview.
- He started off the conversation with a joke.
- We started off late because the bus didn’t arrive.
- They started off nervous, but they relaxed after a few minutes.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse “start off” with “start out,” but “start out” is more common for beginning a journey or a new role.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.