started

/stɑːt/ (bre, ipa) · [stˈɑrtɪd] /stɑːrt/ (ame, ipa) · [stˈɑrtɪd] /ˈstärt How to pronounce start (audio)/ (ame, mw)

started — verb

  • startedpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • starteds3rd person singular
  • starteding-ing form
  • startededpast simple

1. to move from not doing something to doing it — for example, deciding to cook a m

1.動詞及物 / 不及物A1
釋義

to move from not doing something to doing it — for example, deciding to cook a meal, read a book, learn a language, or tackle a school assignment.

例句

Antonia started learning Japanese last year and can now hold simple conversations.

start + V-ing for beginning an activity

Daniel started his homework right after dinner so he could watch a movie later.

同義詞
  • begin

    more formal than 'start'; preferred in formal writing

  • commence

    very formal; used in official or legal contexts

  • get going

    informal phrasal verb; suggests casual initiation

反義詞
  • stop

    to cease doing an activity

  • finish

    to complete an activity

文法句型

start + V-ing (gerund)

start + noun phrase (activity or task)

用法筆記

When followed by a gerund (start V-ing), this sense focuses on the activity itself. When followed by a noun phrase (start + noun), it focuses on the task or project as a whole. Both patterns are interchangeable in most contexts.

常見錯誤

❌I started to played the piano when I was six.
✅I started playing the piano when I was six.
💡After 'start', use either the gerund (V-ing) or the to-infinitive, never the past tense.
❌She started a new learn.
✅She started a new course.
💡'Start' takes a noun (like 'course', 'project', 'job'), not a verb in base form.

2. to create a company, organization, or venture and make it begin operating — for

2.動詞及物 / 不及物A2
釋義

to create a company, organization, or venture and make it begin operating — for example, opening a café, launching a tech startup, or founding a community group.

例句

Chiara started her own bakery in a small village after years of working in restaurants.

start + own + [type of business]

Asher and his cousin started a small tech company that later grew into a global firm.

同義詞
  • found

    more formal; typically used for institutions, schools, or organizations

  • set up

    informal phrasal verb; common in everyday speech

  • launch

    often used for products or high-profile business ventures

反義詞
  • close

    to shut down a business

  • dissolve

    formal; to end a company legally

文法句型

start + noun phrase (business / organization / initiative)

start up + noun phrase

用法筆記

Commonly used with 'up' as a phrasal verb (start up a business) with no change in meaning. The subject is typically a person or group who founds the entity.

常見錯誤

❌I started to do a business.
✅I started a business.
💡When referring to founding a company, 'start' takes a direct noun object, not 'start to do'.
❌The company started from 2020.
✅The company started in 2020.
💡Use 'in' for years, not 'from'.

3. when something starts, it appears or kicks off; if you start something, you caus

3.動詞及物 / 不及物A1
釋義

when something starts, it appears or kicks off; if you start something, you cause it to begin working or unfolding — for example, a fire breaking out in a kitchen, or someone turning a key to make a car engine run.

例句

The fire started in the kitchen when a dish towel touched the hot stove.

intransitive: event starts by itself

Ada started the washing machine before leaving for work this morning.

transitive: person causes machine to start

同義詞
  • begin

    more common in formal writing; interchangeable in most contexts

  • get going

    informal; used for processes or machines ('The engine finally got going')

  • ignite

    specific to fires and engines

反義詞
  • stop

    to cease operating

  • die

    informal; used for engines ('The engine died')

文法句型

start (intransitive) — event or process begins by itself

start + noun phrase (transitive) — someone causes something to begin

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (BEGIN DOING): sense 1 describes a person voluntarily beginning an activity, while sense 3 describes a process, event, or machine starting (by itself or through an external cause). For machines, 'start' is common for engines, motors, and appliances; 'turn on' is more natural for lights, TVs, and computers.

常見錯誤

❌The rain started to fall heavily.
✅It started raining heavily.
💡For weather, use 'start + V-ing' or 'it starts + V-ing'; avoid 'start to' with weather verbs in informal contexts.

❌ 'I started the fire meaning I lit it.' (No error, but be clear.) — 'Start a fire' means 'light a fire' in British English; in American English it can also mean causing a wildfire accidentally.

4. to have a particular person, thing, or action as the first part of a series, seq

4.動詞及物 / 不及物A2
釋義

to have a particular person, thing, or action as the first part of a series, sequence, or set — for example, starting a meal with soup, starting a speech with a joke, starting a meeting by introducing everyone, or a performance opening with a piano piece.

例句

The teacher started the lesson with a short video about ocean pollution.

start + with + noun (first item)

Kemi started her presentation with a funny story about getting lost in Tokyo.

同義詞
  • begin with

    more formal than 'start with'; identical meaning

  • open with

    used for performances, speeches, or written works

  • lead off with

    informal; often used in sports or entertainment

反義詞

文法句型

start + with + noun (the first item)

start + by + V-ing (the first action)

start + with [noun]

start + by [gerund]

用法筆記

Used in both literal sequences (steps of a process) and temporal routines (how a day starts). Also used to say that something is the first item in a series of actions or events. Common in instructions, narratives, and schedules. The pattern 'start with + noun' specifies the first element; 'start by + V-ing' specifies the first action.

常見錯誤

❌We started from checking the documents.
✅We started by checking the documents.
💡Use 'by + V-ing' for first actions, not 'from'.

❌ 'The book starts with chapter one.' (Actually correct.) — This sense overlaps with sense 6 for events that 'start at' a point; use 'start with' when specifying content, not time.

5. to begin complaining about something or behaving in a way that annoys other peop

5.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to begin complaining about something or behaving in a way that annoys other people — for example, starting to argue about a small issue, or starting to cry when things do not go your way.

例句

Please do not start again about the noise from upstairs — we already called the landlord.

informal: 'don't start' as a warning

As soon as the Wi-Fi went down, the kids started complaining about being bored.

同義詞
  • begin to moan

    British informal; suggests whining

  • kick off

    British slang; used for arguments or complaints

  • set about

    slightly formal; 'He set about complaining'

文法句型

start + V-ing (complaining / crying / arguing etc.)

用法筆記

This sense is strongly informal and carries a negative, often exasperated tone. The speaker usually finds the behavior tiresome or unreasonable. Common in fixed phrases like 'Don't start!' (meaning 'Please don't begin complaining').

常見錯誤

❌ 'He started complaining about the noise, and I agreed it was too loud.' (Grammatically correct but tone is neutral.) — This sense specifically implies the speaker is annoyed by the complaining. If you mean neutral reporting, use sense 1 (BEGIN DOING) instead.

6. used to say when or where something begins — for example, a film starting at eig

6.動詞不及物A1
釋義

used to say when or where something begins — for example, a film starting at eight o'clock, school starting in September, or a trail starting at the edge of a forest.

例句

School starts on September first for most students in the northern hemisphere.

start + on + date

The film starts at half past seven, so we still have time to buy snacks.

start + at + time

同義詞
  • begin

    more formal; interchangeable for scheduling contexts

  • commence

    very formal; used in programs, schedules, announcements

反義詞
  • end

    to finish at a time or place

  • finish

    to conclude

文法句型

start + at / on / in (time expression)

start + here / there (place expression)

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 4 (FIRST IN SEQUENCE): sense 4 is about the first item in a list or series ('start with soup'), while sense 6 is about temporal or spatial beginnings ('start at 8 PM'). Also distinct from sense 3 (BEGIN HAPPENING): sense 3 describes a process coming into existence ('a fire started'), whereas sense 6 specifies a known start point.

常見錯誤

❌The class starts from 9 AM.
✅The class starts at 9 AM.
💡Use 'at' for specific times, not 'from'.
❌The movie starts from Monday.
✅The movie starts on Monday.
💡Use 'on' for days, 'in' for months or seasons.

7. for a couple, to have their first baby and become parents.

7.動詞及物B2
釋義

for a couple, to have their first baby and become parents.

例句

After their wedding, Reema and Hassan decided to start a family right away.

collocation: start a family

Zuri was thirty-eight when she started a family with her partner.

同義詞

文法句型

start + a family

用法筆記

Almost always used with the object 'a family'. The subject is typically a married or cohabiting couple.

常見錯誤

❌We are starting a baby
✅We are starting a family
💡'start a baby' is not a natural English expression.

8. to make a deliberate, significant shift in how you live — for example, moving to

8.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to make a deliberate, significant shift in how you live — for example, moving to another country to begin again, quitting a long-term career to pursue a passion, or changing your whole daily routine after a major life event.

例句

After the divorce, Théo started a new life in Taipei.

collocation: start a new life

After twenty years in banking, Sofia started training as a full-time yoga teacher in Bali.

start + V-ing: life-direction change

同義詞

文法句型

start + -ing verb

用法筆記

Common in phrases like 'start a new life', 'start over', 'start afresh'. Unlike sense 1 (BEGIN DOING), which covers everyday tasks, this sense always signals a life-direction change — moving, changing career, starting a family, or adopting a new lifestyle. The subject is often someone who has gone through a major event (divorce, retirement, loss).

常見錯誤

❌He started a new life after retiring and now he is happy.
✅He started a new life after retiring and now feels much happier.
💡'is happy' is too short; the structure needs a comparison or result.

9. to deliberately begin an argument, fight, or conflict with someone.

9.動詞及物B2
釋義

to deliberately begin an argument, fight, or conflict with someone.

例句

Eli started an argument about politics at the dinner table.

collocation: start an argument

Ayesha did not want to start a fight, so she kept quiet.

collocation: start a fight

同義詞
  • provoke

    stronger; implies you deliberately made someone angry

  • pick a fight

    more casual; specifically about physical or verbal conflict

反義詞

文法句型

start + a fight / an argument / trouble

用法筆記

Often carries a negative connotation of being the aggressor. Distinguish from sense 1 (simply 'begin doing something'): here the object is always a conflict or disagreement.

常見錯誤

❌He started a discussion' (when meaning argument)
✅He started an argument
💡'discussion' is neutral; 'argument' implies disagreement.

10. to begin employment at a company, organization, or in a particular position — fo

10.動詞不及物B1
釋義

to begin employment at a company, organization, or in a particular position — for example, someone starting as a cashier at a supermarket, starting at a law firm after graduating, or starting a new role as a department head.

例句

Layla starts her new job at the hospital next Monday.

collocation: start a new job

Ignacio started working at the factory when he was just eighteen.

start + -ing: start working

同義詞
反義詞

文法句型

start + as [role]

start + at [place]

start + -ing [activity]

常見錯誤

❌I will start to work at the new company next month
✅I will start working at the new company next month' or 'I will start my new job next month
💡the '-ing' form is more natural for employment contexts.

11. to begin at a particular amount, level, or point and then continue to another, d

11.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to begin at a particular amount, level, or point and then continue to another, describing a range.

例句

Ticket prices for the show start at fifteen dollars and go up to sixty.

start at [price]

The hiking trail starts at the river and ends at the mountain top.

同義詞

文法句型

start + at [price/amount]

用法筆記

Often paired with 'at' for the starting point and 'and go up to / and end at' for the ending point. Very common in pricing and measurements.

12. to make an involuntary jump or twitch when something surprises or frightens you

12.動詞不及物C1
釋義

to make an involuntary jump or twitch when something surprises or frightens you

例句

Baraka started when a loud thunderclap shook the windows of the old house.

start + when-clause for sudden reaction

The cat started at the sudden sound of a car backfiring in the street.

同義詞
  • flinch

    suggests a smaller, often fearful movement, usually away from something

  • jump

    more common in everyday speech, emphasises a sudden upward or backward motion

  • recoil

    implies pulling back in fear or disgust, stronger and more literary

用法筆記

Intransitive only — you cannot 'start someone' in this sense (the object form is 'startle'). Often followed by 'at' (the cause) or 'when' (the moment).

常見錯誤

❌The loud noise started me.
✅The loud noise startled me / made me start.
💡'start' in this sense is intransitive; use 'startle' for the transitive version.

13. to make a vehicle's engine begin running so the vehicle can move — for example,

13.動詞及物B1
釋義

to make a vehicle's engine begin running so the vehicle can move — for example, turning the key in a car, pressing a button on a motorcycle, or pulling the cord on a boat engine.

例句

Marco turned the key, and the old car started right away.

intransitive: a vehicle's engine starts

Lucía had to pump the accelerator twice before the truck's engine would start.

同義詞
  • turn on

    informal, common for electrical devices; less natural for car engines

  • ignite

    technical term for the combustion process in an engine

  • fire up

    informal; 'fire up the engine' is common in casual speech

反義詞
  • stop

    to cause an engine to cease operating

  • kill

    informal; 'kill the engine' means turn it off suddenly

文法句型

start + [vehicle/engine] (transitive)

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 3 (BEGIN HAPPENING): sense 3 covers events and processes starting ('a fire started', 'an argument started'), while this sense is specifically about vehicle engines. 'Turn on' is more natural for electrical devices (lights, TVs, computers); 'start' is used for engines and motors that require fuel or ignition.

常見錯誤

❌I started the car and it began to start moving.
✅I started the engine, and the car began to move.
💡'start' has different senses here; use 'start the engine' for activating and 'begin to move' for motion.
❌Start the TV
✅Turn on the TV
💡'start' is for engines, not general electronics.

14. to be chosen as a player who begins a sports game, or to put a player in that ro

14.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to be chosen as a player who begins a sports game, or to put a player in that role

例句

Hannah will start at point guard in the championship game next Saturday.

start + at [position]

The young pitcher started the final game and struck out ten batters.

start + [game/match]

同義詞
反義詞
  • bench

    to keep a player out of the starting lineup

  • substitute

    to enter the game after it has begun rather than at the start

文法句型

start + at [position]

start + [game/match]

用法筆記

Used mainly in team sports (basketball, football, baseball, hockey). When transitive, the object can be the player being placed in the lineup ('The coach started him') or the game itself ('start the final').

15. to stick out or seem to push outward from a surface or opening

15.動詞不及物C1
釋義

to stick out or seem to push outward from a surface or opening

例句

Lakan's eyes started in fright at the sight of a snake near the tent.

eyes start = bulge

Sharp nails started from the old wooden board and tore the fabric bag.

start from [surface]

同義詞
  • protrude

    more formal and technical; suggests a clearer outward projection

  • bulge

    implies a rounded outward swelling rather than a sharp projection

  • stick out

    everyday equivalent, broader in use

反義詞
  • recede

    to move back into a surface

  • sink

    to fall inward or downward

文法句型

start from [surface]

start out of [something]

用法筆記

Most commonly used for eyes bulging in surprise or fear ('eyes start from/out of one's head'). Can also describe physical features like nails, roots, or bones protruding. Less common in modern American English; more frequent in literary British English.

started — noun