“Start” is one of the most frequently used words in English, applied in various contexts. However, many learners still wonder whether to use “start to V” or “start V-ing” in specific situations. In this article, IDP will explain how to use “start” correctly and effectively.
1. What Does “Start” Mean?
Start (/stɑːrt/) can function as both a verb and a noun depending on the context.
As a verb, “start” means “to begin” or “to initiate.”
Example: She starts her yoga sessions every morning at sunrise.
As a noun, “start” refers to “the beginning” or “starting point.”
Example: At the start of the holiday, everyone was full of energy and excitement.
2. Common Structures with “Start” in English
“Start” is a flexible word with multiple structures depending on usage.
Start + Noun
Used when referring to beginning a specific activity or event.
Example: Sarah will start her piano lessons tomorrow.
Start + to V / V-ing
Both structures are commonly used and often interchangeable, with minimal difference in meaning.
Examples:
He starts jogging every morning to stay healthy.
He starts to jog every morning to stay healthy.
Special Cases
“Start” can also describe the activation of a machine or system.
Example: Please wait a moment; the computer is starting up.
3. What Prepositions Go with “Start”?
“Start” often combines with different prepositions to form phrasal verbs, each carrying a distinct meaning.
Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Start up | To launch a business or project | They plan to start up a café downtown next month. |
Start over | To begin again from the beginning | After losing her work, she had to start over. |
Start off | To begin a journey or activity | We decided to start off early to catch the sunrise. |
Start someone off | To help someone begin an activity | The coach started him off with warm-up exercises. |
Start on at somebody | To criticize or complain to someone | My boss started on at me for being late. |
Start out | To begin a career or path | He started out as an intern and is now a team leader. |
4. Difference Between “Start” and “Begin”
While start and begin are often interchangeable, they differ in tone and usage.
Criteria | Start | Begin |
|---|---|---|
Meaning | Both mean “to initiate” | Both mean “to initiate” |
Usage context | More informal, common in daily speech | More formal, often in official or academic settings |
Function | Often used with machines or casual events | Often used for formal events or abstract concepts |
Example | She started her own company last year. | He began his career as a writer in 2010. |
5. Important Notes When Using “Start”
“Start” can be followed by a noun or gerund/to-infinitive depending on the structure.
Both start + V-ing and start + to V are acceptable. However:
When the subject is an object or machine, “to V” is more commonly used.
Use “start to V” when you want to emphasize a newly initiated action.
If “start” is used in a continuous tense, follow it with “to V” (not V-ing).
6. Practice Exercises with “Start” – With Answers
Exercise 1: Complete the following sentences
David/decided/start/own/business/last year → David decided to start his own business last year.
The children/start/play/school yard/this/morning → The children started playing in the school yard this morning.
Lisa/is starting/prepare/final/exam → Lisa is starting to prepare for her final exam.
The meeting/start/at/10am/sharp → The meeting starts at 10 a.m. sharp.
They/start/renovation/house/next/week → They will start renovating their house next week.
Exercise 2: Fill in the correct verb forms
Sarah started (explore) _____ new hobbies. → Sarah started exploring new hobbies.
The engine is starting (make) _____ a strange noise. → The engine is starting to make a strange noise.
We started (work) _____ on this project two months ago. → We started working on this project two months ago.
He starts (realize) _____ the importance of teamwork. → He starts to realize the importance of teamwork.
The movie starts at 7 p.m. and keeps you engaged from start (end) _____. → The movie starts at 7 p.m. and keeps you engaged from start to end.
Master the Use of “Start” with IDP
Understanding when to use start to V or start V-ing will make your English more flexible and natural. Correct usage enhances clarity in both writing and speaking. Regular practice and paying attention to context are key to mastering these structures.
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