Start on

phrasal verb

To begin working on something.

After breakfast, she started on her homework.
Visual representation of "start on" - To begin working on something

Often appears as...

  • start on homework
  • start on a project
phrasal verb

To begin to discuss or criticize a topic or person.

As soon as I arrived, he started on about my lateness.
Visual representation of "start on" - To begin to discuss or criticize a topic or person

Often appears as...

  • start on about something
  • start on someone

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To begin to fight or argue with someone.

He started on me for no reason.
Visual representation of "start on" - To begin to fight or argue with someone

Often appears as...

  • start on someone
  • start on an argument

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To begin working on something.

After breakfast, she started on her homework.
Visual representation of "start on" - To begin working on something

Often appears as...

  • start on homework
  • start on a project
phrasal verb

To begin to discuss or criticize a topic or person.

As soon as I arrived, he started on about my lateness.
Visual representation of "start on" - To begin to discuss or criticize a topic or person

Often appears as...

  • start on about something
  • start on someone

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To begin to fight or argue with someone.

He started on me for no reason.
Visual representation of "start on" - To begin to fight or argue with someone

Often appears as...

  • start on someone
  • start on an argument

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "start on"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Task Initiation

Used when expressing the start of a focused activity or effort on something specific.

Illustration for Task Initiation
I need to start on my report soon.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Active Beginnings

Emphasizes an active engagement with tasks, as opposed to passive contemplation or planning.

Illustration for Active Beginnings
She decided to start on the project right away.
LampPro Tip 3/3

First Steps

Indicates taking the first actions towards a larger goal or process.

Illustration for First Steps
Tomorrow, we'll start on the first steps of our journey.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Task Initiation

Used when expressing the start of a focused activity or effort on something specific.

Illustration for Task Initiation
I need to start on my report soon.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Active Beginnings

Emphasizes an active engagement with tasks, as opposed to passive contemplation or planning.

Illustration for Active Beginnings
She decided to start on the project right away.
LampPro Tip 3/3

First Steps

Indicates taking the first actions towards a larger goal or process.

Illustration for First Steps
Tomorrow, we'll start on the first steps of our journey.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Task Initiation

Used when expressing the start of a focused activity or effort on something specific.

Illustration for Task Initiation
I need to start on my report soon.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Active Beginnings

Emphasizes an active engagement with tasks, as opposed to passive contemplation or planning.

Illustration for Active Beginnings
She decided to start on the project right away.
LampPro Tip 3/3

First Steps

Indicates taking the first actions towards a larger goal or process.

Illustration for First Steps
Tomorrow, we'll start on the first steps of our journey.
Visual representation of the word "Start on"

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