START OUT

National Parks

📖 Definition

To 'start out' means to begin a journey, career, or endeavour, often with a specific goal or destination in mind. It signifies taking the first step or action in a process that may be long or challenging.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To 'start out' means to begin a journey, career, or endeavour, often with a specific goal or destination in mind. It signifies taking the first step or action in a process that may be long or challenging.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The verb and particle must stay together.
Register
Neutral
Suitable for most types of discourse.
Transitive
No
'Start out' does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple start out They start out each day with enthusiasm.
Past Simple started out She started out as a teacher before becoming a principal.
Present Continuous starting out They are starting out on a new business venture.
Present Perfect have started out They have started out on their journey already.

💡 When to Use

Beginning a journey
Use 'start out' when embarking on a journey or trip, highlighting the initial phase.
Example: "We started out early to reach the summit by noon."
Initiating a career
Applicable when someone commences a career or vocation, often the first job.
Example: "He started out as an intern before becoming a manager."
New undertaking
Used when beginning any new project or endeavour, hinting at an early stage.
Example: "They started out with only a small loan and big dreams."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect tense usage
❌ Wrong: He was start out late.
✅ Correct: He started out late.
💡 Tip: Ensure tense matches the context.
Object inclusion
❌ Wrong: She started the project out.
✅ Correct: She started out on the project.
💡 Tip: Do not place objects between the verb and particle.
Misusing with other phrasal verbs
❌ Wrong: She started off to the university.
✅ Correct: She started out to the university.
💡 Tip: Different phrasal verbs have different meanings and contexts.
Practice

START OUT - 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

embark commence

Antonyms

finish

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The team decided to ___ out at dawn to avoid the heat."

ending
start out
closing
completing

"To truly know the depths of what's possible, one must first be willing to start out on a path unknown."

In Context

In the spring of 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark started out on a daring expedition across the vast, uncharted territories of the western United States. Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, their mission was to chart a path to the Pacific Ocean, study the region's natural resources, and forge relations with indigenous tribes. The journey began in St. Louis, where they started out with the Corps of Discovery, a group of men skilled in navigation and survival. As they ventured further, they faced the formidable challenge of the Rocky Mountains, which tested their resilience and leadership. The harsh weather and rugged terrain slowed their progress, but the men persevered, driven by the promise of discovery. Aiding them was Sacagawea, a Shoshone interpreter, whose knowledge and diplomacy were crucial. By autumn 1805, they reached the Pacific Coast, their journals enriched with data on previously unknown flora, fauna, and tribes. As they started out on their return journey in 1806, the expedition's success marked a pivotal moment in American history, setting the stage for future exploration and expansion. Lewis and Clark returned as national heroes, their voyage emblematic of the spirit of exploration and adventure.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Start Out

What is the origin of start out?

+
The phrase 'start out' dates back to the early 19th century, evolving from 'start,' a word of Old English origins that meant to leap or move quickly. The 'out' element emphasizes initiating an outward or new direction, common in travel or new endeavours.

Can start out be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'start out' is neutral in register, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. In formal writing, it's used to describe the initiation of professional or formal projects, while in informal contexts, it's ideal for everyday plans or adventures.

What is the difference between start out and embark?

+
While 'start out' and 'embark' both imply beginning a journey or undertaking, 'embark' is more formal, often used for significant or solemn endeavors. 'Start out' is versatile, suitable for everyday or professional beginnings, with a broader application in casual contexts.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

set offhead outget startedbegin withset out
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



0%
Scroll to Top