Today’s phrasal verb of the day is: Start Off

Infinitive form: Start Off

Present Tense: Start Off/ Starts Off

ing form: Starting Off

Past tense: Started Off

Past Participle: Started Off

 

Start Off can be a separable or inseparable English phrasal verb. It can be used in four different ways:

 

When an event or activity begins or when you start an event or activity by doing something to get things started [separable]

1. The audience went wild as Justin Bieber starts the concert off by showing his abs.

2. Rumor has it that the principal is starting the event off with a dance number. This ought to be an interesting one!

 

When something or someone starts a certain way in the beginning, but noticeable changes can be seen [inseparable]

1. Their relationship started off really well, but got really bad in the end.

2.  The movie starts off well, but now it has become quite boring that I want to stop watching it.

 

When someone begins a career, life, or existence [inseparable]

1. Did you know that Tom Welling, the guy who played superman, started off a career as a construction worker before he became an actor?

2. Our manager himself started off as a salesperson. He got promoted two years later.

 

When you begin a journey [inseparable]

1. The mountaineers had to start off early so they could reach the mountain’s peak by noon.

2. We have to start off early for our road trip. I promised the folks we’ll get there before 10 A.M.

 

Exercises: Write your answers in comments and we will correct them.

Fill in the gaps from the video above:

Complete the sentences below with the correct form of Start Off.

1. The members usually ____ the ceremony ____ by singing the National Anthem.

2. Kelly said that they _____the program ___ late so everyone still has a chance to catch up.

3. The event is usually _____ ____ by fireworks.

4. Ms. Anderson _____ ____ as an assistant in this school, now she is at the top.

5. If you wanna make it there on time for the party, then I suggest you leave now.  Trust me, you’d want to leave now and ____ ___ early.

 

Change the example sentences above to negative sentences (or positive, if the sentence is already negative). Then change them to questions.