Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding 'Start Off': Usage & Examples

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'start off' means to begin a journey, activity, or a process. It can also imply initiating a sequence of events or actions.

Examples in context

She decided to start off her day with a run in the park.
The band started off their performance with a classic hit.
He started off the new job with enthusiasm and diligence.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'start off' means to begin a journey, activity, or a process. It can also imply initiating a sequence of events or actions.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

You can separate the verb from its particle with an object.

Neutral

Used in both casual and formal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	start off	They start off their day with meditation.
Past Simple	started off	She started off her career in marketing.
Present Continuous	starting off	He is starting off with basic exercises.
Present Perfect	have started off	We have started off our new project successfully.

💡 When to Use

Beginning a journey

Use when initiating travel or an expedition, literally or metaphorically, to highlight the commencement.

Example: "They started off their road trip at dawn."

Initiating a career or project

Employ when discussing the initial phase of a career, project, or any venture to indicate its inception.

Example: "She started off her career as an intern."

Beginning a sequence of actions

Apply when referring to the initial actions in a series to express the start of events unfolding.

Example: "We started off the meeting with introductions."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using without an object

❌ Wrong: They started off quickly.

✅ Correct: They started off their journey quickly.

💡 Tip: Always include what is being started.

Incorrect tense usage

❌ Wrong: They start off yesterday.

✅ Correct: They started off yesterday.

💡 Tip: Match the tense to the time indication.

Separation error

❌ Wrong: They off started the meeting.

✅ Correct: They started off the meeting.

💡 Tip: Remember ‘start’ always precedes ‘off’.

Practice

START OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

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

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

She decided to start off her day with a run in the park.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The band started off their performance with a classic hit.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

He started off the new job with enthusiasm and diligence.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

begin commence

Antonyms

finish

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"They ___ their journey at dawn with excitement."

starting

start off

began

commencing

"To start off on a journey is to embrace uncertainty, knowing that each step paves the way to discovery and growth."

In Context

In 1961, the United States stood at the brink of a transformative journey into space. It all started off with President John F. Kennedy's declaration to land a man on the Moon. Asserting supremacy in the Space Race, the nation pulled together its resources, kicked off with the establishment of NASA and a committed plan embarking on unprecedented missions. Each project, starting off as an ambitious dream, gradually transitioned into reality. The Mercury Program mapped paths for human spacewalks, paving the way for the Gemini missions, and eventually, the Apollo program, which commenced its lunar odyssey. As Neil Armstrong started off his lunar descent on July 20, 1969, he uttered the iconic words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." With this, a new era in exploration was set in motion, marking the triumph of human ingenuity. The journey that had started off as mere aspiration culminated in a historical feat, inspiring generations to come. This incredible tale exemplifies the power of vision, starting off with a simple goal that transformed the course of history, illustrating how determination and innovation can lead humanity to soar beyond earthly confines.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Start Off

What is the origin of start off?

The phrasal verb 'start off' derives from Middle English 'sterte', which means to leap up or arise, combined with 'off' to indicate the beginning.

Can start off be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'start off' is a versatile phrasal verb suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it broadly applicable in various situations.

What is the difference between start off and begin?

'Start off' often implies initiating a journey or process with a robust tone, whereas 'begin' is simpler, commonly used for introductions without emphasis on excitement.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

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

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

START OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Start Off

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega