start on

begin working on a task or dealing with something

B1

What does "start on sth" mean?

To 'start on' something means to begin working on a task or dealing with it. It usually suggests that you are moving from not doing something to actively engaging with it, often in an organised or deliberate way. It is very common when talking about a list of tasks or steps, where you finish one thing and then start on the next. You can use it for work tasks like reports and presentations, domestic tasks like cooking or cleaning, or school tasks like essays and assignments. It works naturally in both everyday conversation and professional settings.

Examples

How to use it

start on + task/thing

The most common pattern — use it to say you are beginning to work on a specific task. The object always follows 'on' directly.

I'm going to start on the presentation as soon as I get to the office.

start on + it/them

When the task is already clear from context, replace it with a pronoun after 'on'.

The laundry is piling up — I'll start on it after lunch.

start on + task + time/sequence marker

Often used with time expressions or sequencing phrases to show when you will begin a task.

Once we finish the first draft, we can start on the revisions.

imperative: start on + task

Used to give instructions or encourage someone to begin a task.

While I set the table, can you start on dinner?

have/has started on + task

Use the present perfect to say that someone has already begun a task.

She's already started on the budget report, so we're ahead of schedule.

Common Collocations

start on the projectstart on the reportstart on dinnerstart on the next taskstart on itstart on the assignment

Common Mistakes

Separating the phrasal verb

Unlike some phrasal verbs, 'start on' cannot be separated. The object must always come after 'on', never between 'start' and 'on'.

✗ I need to start the report on before the meeting.
✓ I need to start on the report before the meeting.
Leaving out 'on'

Learners sometimes just say 'start' with a direct object, but 'start on' often carries a nuance of deliberate, sequential beginning. Dropping 'on' can make the sentence sound less natural in these contexts.

✗ Let's start the next chapter now.
✓ Let's start on the next chapter now.
Confusing 'start on' with 'work on'

'Start on' describes the moment you begin a task, while 'work on' describes continuing effort with no focus on the starting point. Don't use them interchangeably when the beginning of the task is important.

✗ I've been working on the essay for the first time this morning.
✓ I started on the essay for the first time this morning.

Usage

This phrasal verb is neutral and works in both everyday and professional contexts, though formal writing prefers 'begin work on' or 'commence'. In informal British English, 'start on someone' has a different meaning (to criticise or attack verbally), so context matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'start on' always need an object?

Almost always, yes. 'Start on' normally needs an object — the task you are beginning — which comes directly after 'on'. In rare cases the object can be dropped if it is completely obvious from context, but it is much more natural to use a pronoun like 'it' or 'them' instead (e.g. 'I'll start on it after lunch').

Can 'start on' mean something different when used with a person?

Yes, in informal British English, 'start on someone' can mean to begin criticising or attacking them verbally — for example, 'He started on me as soon as I walked in.' This is a completely different meaning. The task-related sense of 'start on' is always used with a thing, not a person, so context makes the difference clear.

Is 'start on' okay to use in a work email?

Yes, 'start on' is fine in most work emails and professional messages — for example, 'I'll start on the report first thing tomorrow.' It sounds natural and clear. If you are writing something very formal, like an official document or academic paper, 'begin work on' or 'commence' might be more appropriate.

What kinds of things can follow 'start on'?

You can use 'start on' with a wide range of tasks — work tasks like a report, project, or budget; domestic tasks like dinner, the dishes, or the laundry; and school tasks like an essay or assignment. It works well with anything that has a clear beginning and requires effort over time.

Is 'get started on' the same as 'start on'?

'Get started on' is very similar and the two are often interchangeable. The main difference is that 'get started on' often sounds slightly more urgent or encouraging — for example, 'We really need to get started on this.' 'Start on' is more neutral and simply describes the act of beginning.

Ready to practise?

Practise 1,000+ English phrasal verbs with interactive gap-fill exercises.

Start Practising →