START BY

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'start by' is used to indicate the initial action or step taken before proceeding with a series of actions or tasks.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'start by' is used to indicate the initial action or step taken before proceeding with a series of actions or tasks.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
'Start by' is inseparable; the preposition 'by' must follow 'start'.
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Neutral
Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
No
'Start by' does not take a direct object; it introduces the initial step.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple start by I will start by outlining the main points.
Past Simple started by She started by explaining the basics.
Present Continuous starting by We are starting by assessing the situation.
Present Perfect have started by They have started by organizing the event details.

💡 When to Use

Planning a project
Use 'start by' to outline initial steps before progressing in a project's planning phase.
Example: "Let's start by identifying the target audience."
Beginning a task
Utilize 'start by' when introducing the first task in a sequence of activities.
Example: "I'll start by cleaning the desk."
Academic writing
Useful in essays for indicating the initial point of discussion or argument.
Example: "The research paper will start by reviewing existing literature."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect separation
❌ Wrong: Start the task by doing a checklist.
✅ Correct: Start by doing a checklist for the task.
💡 Tip: Remember, 'start by' is inseparable; keep them together.
Incorrect use with objects
❌ Wrong: Start by the new project.
✅ Correct: Start by outlining the new project.
💡 Tip: Use 'start by' to introduce an action, not a direct object.
Incorrect tense
❌ Wrong: We will started by setting goals.
✅ Correct: We will start by setting goals.
💡 Tip: Match verb tense with auxiliary and context.
Practice

START BY - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

begin with commence with

Antonyms

finish with

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"You should ___ noting key objectives before moving forward."

begin
start by
finish
end

"To start by understanding the root causes is to position ourselves to solve problems with wisdom and insight."

In Context

In 1961, Yuri Gagarin made history as the first human in space. The Soviet space program decided to start by carefully selecting a team of candidates who exhibited exceptional skill and resilience. Gagarin stood out due to his quick thinking and unwavering calm under pressure. After months of rigorous training, the final preparations commenced. The team decided to start by ensuring all safety protocols were meticulously checked. As the launch day approached, they set numerous backup plans to account for any anomalies. On April 12, when Gagarin was poised for takeoff, they started by reciting a brief motivational passage, emphasizing their belief in the mission's success. The Vostok 1 mission lifted off, and as Gagarin orbited the Earth, he marveled at the view, a silent testament to human ingenuity. The Soviet scientists decided to start by evaluating the mission's success before announcing Gagarin's safe return. This strategic step ensured that plans for future missions were rooted in thorough analysis. Gagarin's journey started by inspiring generations towards space exploration, forever marking a milestone in human history.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Start By

What is the origin of start by?

+
The phrase 'start by' originates from English usage to indicate the commencement of an action followed by specific steps or procedures.

Can start by be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'start by' is versatile and can be appropriately used in both formal and informal contexts, making it suitable for various writing and speaking scenarios.

What is the difference between start by and begin with?

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'Start by' and 'begin with' both indicate commencement, but 'start by' emphasizes the initial action, whereas 'begin with' may refer to an initial element or component.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

begin withstart outkick offset outget started
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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