start out
begin a job, life, or activity in a particular way
What does "start out" mean?
Examples
- She started out as an intern at a small design agency before becoming the creative director.
- Many successful entrepreneurs started out with very little money.
- It's hard to believe he started out in sales — now he runs the whole company.
How to use it
The most common pattern, used to describe the role or position someone held at the beginning of their career or life path.
He started out as a junior chef before opening his own restaurant.
Used to describe the general area or industry someone worked in at the beginning, rather than naming a specific job title.
She started out in finance and later moved into tech.
Used to describe what someone had, or didn't have, at the very beginning of their journey.
They started out with almost no budget but eventually built a successful company.
Used to describe the condition or scale of something at its beginning, often with words like 'small' or 'humble'.
The business started out small, operating from a single room above a shop.
Used to describe an activity or type of work someone did at the start of their path.
She started out doing odd jobs for local businesses before training as an accountant.
Common Collocations
Common Mistakes
Use 'start out as' when you name a specific role or job title, and 'start out in' when you name a field or industry. Mixing them up sounds unnatural.
'Set out' focuses on intention — what someone aimed or planned to do. 'Start out' focuses on the initial state or condition at the beginning of a longer path. They are not always interchangeable.
'I am starting out as...' sounds slightly unusual. For current situations, it is more natural to use the simple present or to rephrase entirely.
Usage
Used to describe the beginning of a career, life, or long journey, with the implication that things changed afterwards. It is neutral in register and works in both conversation and formal writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'start out' always talk about careers?
Not always, but careers and life stages are the most common contexts. You can also use it to describe the early stage of a company, a project, or even a creative hobby — anything that begins in one state and later develops or changes.
Can 'start out' be used for companies or organisations, not just people?
Yes, absolutely. It works well for any subject that has a beginning and a later development. For example, 'The brand started out as a small market stall' is completely natural.
What is the difference between 'start out' and 'start off'?
'Start out' and 'start off' are very similar and often interchangeable. However, 'start out' is more commonly used when talking about the beginning of a career, life path, or long journey. 'Start off' can also be used for shorter activities or events, making it a bit more flexible.
Is 'when I first started out' a natural phrase?
Yes, it is extremely common and sounds very natural. The word 'first' adds emphasis to the idea of origins, and this phrase is often used at the start of a story about someone's career or background.
Can I use 'start out' to talk about the future?
It is possible but less common. You might say 'When you start out in this industry, you will face a lot of competition,' which works fine. However, avoid more complex future forms — they tend to sound unnatural with this phrasal verb.
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