start on: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal. Common in spoken and written English, but less formal than 'commence work on'.
Quick answer
What does “start on” mean?
To begin working on a specific task, project, or activity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To begin working on a specific task, project, or activity; to commence an action directed towards a particular object or goal.
Can imply initiating a process that is often lengthy, challenging, or involves consumption (e.g., starting on a new bottle, a large meal). Also used to describe beginning to criticize or harass someone persistently.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. Slight preference in UK English for 'start on' with household tasks ("start on the dishes"). In US English, 'start in on' is a common variant, especially for beginning to criticize or eat.
Connotations
Neutral for tasks. Can have negative connotations when used with people ("He started on me about my grades").
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects for core meaning. The negative 'criticize/harass' sense is slightly more frequent in informal American English.
Grammar
How to Use “start on” in a Sentence
SUBJECT + start on + OBJECT (task/project)SUBJECT + start on + OBJECT (person) - negative senseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “start on” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to start on the roof before the rains come.
- He started on a second pint.
- The manager started on him for being late again.
American English
- Let's start on the community clean-up this Saturday.
- She started in on the cookies as soon as she got home.
- My dad started on me about getting a real job.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The team will start on the Q3 analysis next week."
Academic
"The researcher started on a longitudinal study of language acquisition."
Everyday
"I should start on the laundry before it piles up."
Technical
"The engine will not start on a weak battery."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “start on”
- Using 'start with' instead of 'start on' for long tasks ("I'll start with my essay" vs. "I'll start on my essay").
- Omitting the object (Incorrect: 'I need to start on.' Correct: 'I need to start on the garden.').
- Confusing 'start on' and 'start in on' (US) which is more aggressive.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Start' is general. 'Start with' introduces the first element or tool (start with an introduction, start with a knife). 'Start on' emphasizes beginning work directed at a specific, often substantial, task or object (start on a thesis, start on the cake).
No, it is a transitive phrasal verb and requires an object. You must start on *something*.
It is neutral but leans slightly informal. In very formal writing, 'commence work on' or 'embark upon' might be preferred.
Primarily in American English, it is a more intense version, often meaning to begin criticizing, harassing, or consuming something eagerly.
To begin working on a specific task, project, or activity.
Start on: in British English it is pronounced /stɑːt ɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /stɑːrt ɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Start on the back foot”
- “Start on a sour note”
- “Start on the right/wrong foot”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a runner at the START line, poised ON the track, ready to begin the race. The action (start) is directed ONto the task (the track).
Conceptual Metaphor
TASKS ARE JOURNEYS (embark on), CONSUMPTION IS CONQUEST (start on a meal), CRITICISM IS AN ATTACK (start on someone).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'start on' used in a negative, critical sense?