start/begin /stɑːʳt, bɪˈgɪn/ [intransitive verb] begin is more formal than start, and is used especially in written English: ▪ Do you know what time our first class starts?▪ My day start[r]
(1)START / stɑːt ~ stɑːrt / verb BEGIN DOING SOMETHING [intransitive and transitive] to something that you were not doing before, and continue doing it = begin: - There’s so much to I don’t know where to start - Have you started your homework? start doing something - Then the baby started crying start to something - It’s starting to rain - He got up and started running again - I’d better get started (= start doing something) soon start somebody doing something - What Kerry said started me thinking (= made me start thinking) BEGIN HAPPENING [intransitive and transitive] (also start off) to begin happening, or to make something begin happening: - What time does the film start? - Lightning started a fire that burned 500 acres - The party was just getting started when Sara arrived starting (from) now/tomorrow/next week, etc - You have two hours to complete the test, starting now BEGIN IN A PARTICULAR WAY [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] (also start off) to begin something in a particular way, or to begin in a particular way: - A healthy breakfast is a good way to start the day start with - The festivities started with a huge fireworks display start as - The restaurant started as a small take-out place start badly/well/slowly, etc - Any new exercise program should start slowly start (something) by doing something - Ngan Vy starts by explaining some basic legal concepts BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION [transitive] (also start up) to make something begin to exist start a business/company/firm, etc - She wanted to start her own catering business JOB/SCHOOL [intransitive and transitive] to begin a new job, or to begin going to school, college, etc.: - When can you start? Ngân Phương Vy ~ August 05th, 2014 START / BEGIN (2) start school/college/work - Ngan Phương Vy started college in 1971 CAR/ENGINE, ETC [intransitive and transitive] (also start up) if you start a car or engine, or if it starts, it begins to work: - The car wouldn’t start this morning get the car/engine, etc started - He couldn’t get his motorbike started BEGIN GOING SOMEWHERE [intransitive] (also start off/out) to begin travelling or moving in a particular direction = set out: - We’ll have to start early to get there by lunchtime LIFE/PROFESSION [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] (also start off/out) to begin your life or profession in a particular way or place start as/in - Ngan Vy started as a teacher of English in the 1970s - It’s difficult for new lawyers to get started in private practice ROAD/RIVER/PATH, ETC [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if a river, road, path, etc starts somewhere, it begins in that place: - The trail starts immediately behind the hotel start in/at - The race will start at the town hall 10 PRICES/AMOUNTS [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if prices, amounts, or rates start at or from a particular number, that is the lowest number at which you can get or buy something start at/from - Room prices start from £25 a night 11 start from scratch/zero to begin doing a job or activity completely from the beginning: - There were no textbooks, so the teachers had to start from scratch 12 DELIBERATELY BEGIN SOMETHING [transitive] to deliberately make something start happening, especially something bad: - I started a fire to warm the place up start a fight/argument - Oh, don’t go trying to start an argument - Other girls were starting rumours about me 13 to start with spoken a) said when talking about the beginning of a situation, especially when it changes later: - I was pretty nervous to start with, but after a while I was fine Ngân Phương Vy ~ August 05th, 2014 START / BEGIN (3) b) said to emphasize the first of a list of facts or opinions you are stating: - There are problems To start with, neither of us likes housework 14 be back where you started to try to something and fail, so that you finish in the same situation that you were in before: - A lot of people who lose weight gain it back over time, and end up back where they started 15 SPORTS [intransitive and transitive] if a player starts in a game, or if someone starts them, they begin playing when the game begins, especially because they are one of the best players on the team start for - Astacio started for the Dodgers on Tuesday night 16 start a family to have your first baby: - We’re not ready to start a family yet 17 start afresh/anew to stop doing what you are doing and begin doing it again in a better or different way: - She saw her new job as a chance to start afresh 18 somebody started it! spoken used to say that someone else has caused an argument or problem: - ‘Don’t hit her!’ ‘But she started it!’ 19 start something/anything to begin causing trouble: - It looks like Jess is trying to start something 20 MOVE SUDDENLY [intransitive] to move your body suddenly, especially because you are surprised or afraid = jump: - A loud knock at the door made her start start from - Emma started from her chair and rushed to the window 21 start young to begin doing something when you are young, especially when it is unusual to it: - Woods started young, and was coached by his father 22 don’t (you) start! British English spoken used to tell someone to stop complaining, arguing, or annoying you: - ‘Mum, I don’t like this ice cream.’ ‘Oh, don’t you start!’ THESAURU start to begin doing something: - I’m starting a new job next week - It’s time we started begin to start doing something Begin is more formal than start, and is used especially in written English: - He began to speak - The orchestra began playing - Shall we begin? commence formal to start doing something: - The company will commence drilling next week - Work was commenced on the next power station get down to something to finally start doing something, especially your work: - Come on, Sam – it’s time you got down to some homework - We’d better get down to business set off to start a journey: - What time you have to set off in the morning? - I usually set off for work at about 8.30 set out to start a long journey: - The ship set out from Portsmouth on July 12th Ngân Phương Vy ~ August 05th, 2014 START / BEGIN (4) embark on something especially written to start something, especially something new, difficult, or exciting: - The Law Society has embarked on a major programme of reform - Jamaica was embarking on a decade of musical creativity resume formal to start doing something again after stopping it or being interrupted: - Normal train services will be resumed on April 5th - Trade was resumed after the end of the war get cracking informal to start doing something or going somewhere: - I think we should get cracking straightaway start/begin to begin: - What time does the film start? begin to start Begin is more formal than start and is used especially in written English: - The trial began in March - Work on the new bridge will begin early next year open to start being shown to the public – used about a play, show, or exhibition: - Lloyd Webber’s new musical opened in London last week - A major exhibition of her work will open in New York in November commence formal to start happening: - The voting has already commenced - The work is scheduled to commence in April get under way to start happening or being done – used especially about something that is likely to last a long time: - Construction work is getting under way on a new train network - Discussions concerning the plan got under way on April break out to start happening – used especially about a fire, a fight, war, or a disease: - Police were called in when fighting broke out in the crowd - The blaze broke out on the third floor of the hotel kick off informal to start – used especially about a football game or a meeting: - The match is due to kick off this afternoon at Wembley Stadium - What time will the celebrations kick off? start back phrasal verb to begin returning to the place you came from start back to/down/up, etc - I started back down the mountain to camp start in phrasal verb American English to begin doing something, especially with a lot of effort: - I decided to just start in and see what I could start in on - Lilly started in on her burger to begin criticizing someone or complaining to them about something start in on - Mom turned away from Rose and started in on me start off phrasal verb to begin something in a particular way, or to begin in a particular way start something ↔ off with something/by doing something [- The theater company started off their new season with a Shakespeare play start off with something/by doing something - I started off by drawing the flowers I had collected to be a particular thing or have a particular quality at the beginning of something, especially when this changes later: - The puppies start off white, and get their black spots later start off as - The games start off as a social event, but players soon become competitive - I started off as a drummer start something ↔ off to make something begin happening: - We’re not sure what starts the process off start somebody ↔ off to help someone begin an activity start somebody ↔ off with - He started me off with some stretching exercises to begin going somewhere: - I sat in the car for a few minutes before starting off Ngân Phương Vy ~ August 05th, 2014 START / BEGIN (5) start off to/towards/back, etc - She started off to school in her new uniform start somebody off British English informal to make someone get angry or start laughing, by saying something: - Don’t say that; that’ll just start him off start somebody off doing something - He made her jump, and that started her off giggling start on somebody/something phrasal verb to begin doing something or using something: - You’d better start on your homework start somebody on something to make someone start doing something regularly, especially because it will be good for them: - Try starting your baby on solid foods at four months old British English informal to begin criticizing someone or complaining to them about something start on somebody/something at - Ray’s wife started on at him about spending too much time in the pub start out phrasal verb to begin happening or existing in a particular way, especially when this changes later start out as - ‘The Star’ started out as a small weekly newspaper - The leaves start out a pale green, and later get darker to begin your life or profession, or an important period of time: - When the band first started out, they played at small clubs start out as - She started out as a model start out on - young couples starting out on their life together to begin going somewhere: - Oliver started out at five, when it was still dark start over phrasal verb American English to start doing something again from the beginning, especially because you want to it better: - If you make a mistake, just erase it and start over start up phrasal verb if you start up a business, company, etc., or it starts up, it begins to exist: - Tax breaks help new companies start up start something ↔ up - Jordan started up a band of his own if an engine, car, etc starts up, or you start it up, it begins working: - The driver got back into the car and started up start something ↔ up - Rory started up the engine and got the vehicle moving if a sound, activity, or event starts up, it begins to exist or happen: - The crickets had started up now that it was evening RELATED WORDS & EXPRESSIONS to start doing something start /stɑːʳt/ [intransitive/transitive verb] ▪ We can’t start until Carol gets here.▪ I’m starting a new job next week.▪ Have you started that book yet? started reading itstart doing something▪ I’ve just started learning German.▪ It was getting dark so we started looking for a place to stay the night.start to something▪ Halfway through the performance, she started to feel a little faint.▪ Outside, it was starting to rain begin /bɪˈgɪn/ [intransitive/transitive verb] to start doing something Begin is more formal than start and is used especially in written English: ▪ Once the children were quiet, the teacher began.▪ They began their holiday in Italy, and then went on to Greece.begin to something▪ More and more people are beginning to their shopping online.▪ ‘What you mean?’ she said, beginning to laugh.begin doing something▪ The audience suddenly began shouting and cheering Ngân Phương Vy ~ August 05th, 2014 START / BEGIN (6) get down to /ˌget ˈdaʊn tuː/ [transitive phrasal verb] to finally start doing something, especially work, after you have been avoiding doing it or after something has prevented you from doing it: ▪ Come on Sam - it’s time you got down to some homework.get down to to doing something▪ When the summer comes, we must get down to painting the outside of the house.get down to business▪ OK, can everyone take a seat now, and we’ll get down to business start on /ˈstɑːʳt ɒn/ [transitive phrasal verb] to start a piece of work that will take a fairly long time: ▪ The exam was almost over and I hadn’t even started on question 3.▪ It was time to start on all those little jobs around the house that he’d been putting off.▪ We can’t start on the building work until planning permission comes through set about/set to work /ˈset əbaʊt, ˌset tə ˈwɜːʳk/ [transitive phrasal verb/verb phrase] to start a long and fairly difficult piece of work, especially in an energetic and determined way: ▪ Philip set about the task with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm.▪ Why don’t we set to work really early, and try to get it finished in one day? set about/set to work doing something▪ If there is a serious problem, it’s far better to admit it and set about tackling it.set to work to something▪ Workmen had already set to work to clear the fallen trees.set to work on something▪ Once in power, the government set to work on major reforms to the tax system proceed to something /prəˌsiːd tə ˈduː something/ [verb phrase] to start doing something after you have finished doing something else: ▪ Martin marched into the shop and proceeded to hurl abuse at the girl behind the counter.▪ After listening carefully to my advice, she proceeded to the exact opposite! settle down to /ˌsetl ˈdaʊn tuː/ [verb phrase] to start doing something after a delay or interruption that has stopped you giving it your full attention: ▪ After lunch the children settled down to finish their science projects settle down to to doing something▪ It was two o'clock before I could finally settle down to writing the next chapter launch into /ˈlɔːntʃ ɪntuː/ [transitive phrasal verb] to suddenly start a long speech or story, especially if you are criticizing something or giving an entertaining description of something: ▪ Annie arrived late and immediately launched into a lengthy description of the terrible traffic on the roads.▪ At that point the young man stood up and launched into a passionate party-political speech embark on/upon /ɪmˈbɑːʳk ɒn, əpɒn/ [transitive phrasal verb] to start a large piece of work or an important activity, especially one that will be difficult or will take a long time: ▪ In the 1950s China embarked on a massive program of industrialization and mechanization.▪ After leaving his office job, he embarked upon a highly successful writing career come to/grow to/get to /ˈkʌm tuː, ˈgrəʊ tuː, ˈget tuː/ [transitive phrasal verb] to gradually start to like, fear, expect, etc something over a period of time: ▪ Rowling’s latest book is full of all the magic and excitement that her young readers have come to expect.▪ At first I thought he was a bit strange, but I grew to like and respect him over the years.▪ My teacher said that this wasn’t the kind of work that she’d come to expect of me get cracking /ˌget ˈkrækɪŋ/ [verb phrase] spoken informal to start doing something immediately, because you are in a hurry or there is a lot to do: ▪ Come on! - get cracking I want this whole house clean by the time I get back.▪ You’d better get cracking if you want to get to the airport by ten to start an activity, job, speech, etc by doing the first part of it start by/begin by /ˈstɑːʳt baɪ, bɪˈgɪn baɪ/ [verb phrase not in passive] to something as the first part of an activity or job: start by/begin by doing something▪ There were two interviewers and they began by asking me questions about my last job.▪ When you’re drawing a face, you should start by trying to imagine the bones underneath start with/begin with /ˈstɑːʳt wɪð, bɪˈgɪn wɪð/ [transitive phrasal verb not in passive] to think about, introduce, or deal with something as the first part of an activity: ▪ If I were you, I’d start with the easy questions.▪ The lecturer began with a short account of the history of the UN.▪ Decorating the place was a huge job, and we started with the kitchen and the hall Ngân Phương Vy ~ August 05th, 2014 START / BEGIN (7) lead off /ˌliːd ˈɒf/ [intransitive/transitive phrasal verb not in passive] to start something such as a meeting or discussion by introducing a subject or speaking first: ▪ Is there anyone here who would like to lead off the debate?▪ The Chief Executive led off by pointing out that a merger was only one option.lead off with▪ We asked the sales director to lead off with the latest sales figures kick off with /ˌkɪk ˈɒf wɪð/ [transitive phrasal verb not in passive] informal to something as the first part of an activity or an event such as a party or a concert: ▪ Let’s kick off with an Indian meal somewhere, and go on to a club after that.kick off something with something▪ Phelps kicked off an outstanding night’s music with a beautifully played Mozart Symphony to be the person who starts something make the first move /meɪk ðə ˌfɜːʳst ˈmuːv/ [verb phrase] to be the first one to something in a situation where both sides feel nervous, embarrassed, angry, etc.: ▪ I’d always been attracted to her, but I was too shy to make the first move.make the first move to something▪ The employees made the first move to end the strike take the initiative /ˌteɪk ði ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ [verb phrase] to be the first one to something in a situation, especially when you think people are being silly because they are waiting for someone else to it first: ▪ Everyone was standing around in silence, so I took the initiative and tried to explain why we had come.▪ The disarmament talks failed because neither side was prepared to risk taking the initiative to start a journey set off/set out /ˌset ˈɒf, ˌset ˈaʊt/ [intransitive phrasal verb] to start a long journey or start going somewhere, especially if your journey has been planned or has a special purpose: ▪ What time you have to set off in the morning?▪ We had meant to set out before lunch but nobody was ready to leave set off/set out towards/along/in the direction of, etc.▪ Packing herself a couple of sandwiches, she set off along the cliff path.▪ The weather had been fine on the morning that the climbers set out up the last part of the mountain set off/set out for▪ My mother was only twenty when she married my father and set off for Addis Ababa set off/set out from▪ The Royal Navy set out from Portsmouth on July 13th.set off/set out to do▪ Columbus set out to discover America in the fifteenth century start for /ˈstɑːʳt fɔːʳ/ [transitive phrasal verb] to start a journey to a particular place: ▪ When are you starting for Seattle?▪ It was already dark by the time we started for home start off /ˌstɑːʳt ˈɒf/ [intransitive phrasal verb] to start moving away from a place where you have been, especially if you are driving a car, riding a bicycle, etc.: ▪ Before starting off you should check that your seat and mirrors are properly adjusted start off along/towards/down, etc.▪ The riders got back on their horses and started off along the track again hit the road /ˌhɪt ðə ˈrəʊd/ [verb phrase] informal to start a journey: ▪ It’s time we hit the road.▪ The group will be hitting the road again in the new year, in order to promote their new album get going /ˌget ˈgəʊɪŋ/ [verb phrase] informal to start a journey or start going somewhere, especially when you are late or when there has been a delay: ▪ Let’s get going now or we’ll miss the train.▪ The coach was supposed to leave at 10:30 but we eventually got going at o'clock.▪ Get going, you two! Didn’t you hear the school bell? to start doing something regularly start/begin /stɑːʳt, bɪˈgɪn/ [transitive verb] to start doing something that you then regularly Begin is more formal than start and is used especially in written English: start/begin doing something▪ I started going to the gym two years ago.▪ She was only 16 when she began seeing Alan.start/begin to something▪ His parents got divorced last year - that’s when he started to take drugs Ngân Phương Vy ~ August 05th, 2014 START / BEGIN (8) take up /ˌteɪk ˈʌp/ [transitive phrasal verb] to become interested in a sport or activity, and start to spend time doing it: ▪ When did Bryan take up golf?▪ Your pictures are so good - you could take up painting as a profession turn to /ˈtɜːʳn tuː/ [transitive phrasal verb] to start doing something dangerous or illegal: ▪ Hal turned to drinking after his wife and kids were killed in a car crash.▪ Research shows that young people without jobs are most likely to turn to crime take to doing something /ˌteɪk tə ˈduːɪŋ something/ [verb phrase not in passive] to start doing something frequently, especially something that is annoying or worrying: ▪ There’s a big ginger cat that’s taken to coming in our house at night.▪ My daughter took to spending hours alone in her room, only coming downstairs for meals get into the habit of /ˌget ɪntə ðə ˈhæb t ɒv/ [verb phrase] to start to something so often that it becomes a habit: ▪ I only used to have one or two cigarettes, but then I got into the habit of it get into the habit of of doing something▪ Try to get into the habit of planning your work at the beginning of the day to help or encourage someone to start doing something new introduce somebody to /ˌɪntrəˈdjuːs somebody tuːǁ-ˈduːs-/ [verb phrase] to make someone start doing something or start enjoying something, by telling them about it or showing it to them: ▪ Her father introduced her to rock ‘n’ roll when she was a little girl.introduce somebody to doing something▪ It was my sports teacher who first introduced me to skiing initiate somebody into /ɪˈnɪʃieɪt somebody ɪntuː/ [verb phrase] to give someone the chance to something for the first time, especially something unusual or complicated: ▪ People come to me to be initiated into meditation, as a way of handling stress.▪ He tried to initiate her into the mysteries of Chinese cooking start somebody on /ˈstɑːʳt somebody ɒn/ [verb phrase] to make someone start doing something regularly, especially because it will be good for them: ▪ Most parents start their babies on solid foods when they are about months old.▪ The doctor said that he wants to start Dad on a special low-cholesterol diet to start doing something again in a better way start afresh/make a fresh start/make a new start /ˌstɑːʳt əˈfreʃ, meɪk ə ˌfreʃ ˈstɑːʳt, meɪk ə ˌnjuː ˈstɑːʳtǁ-ˌnuː-/ [verb phrase] to start doing something again from the beginning, because you want to it better or differently from before: ▪ I see the new job as a chance to start afresh.▪ The money we won made it possible for us to pay off all our debts and make a new start.▪ He’s determined to make a fresh start when he gets out of prison start over /ˌstɑːʳt ˈəʊvəʳ/ [intransitive phrasal verb] American to go back to the beginning of something and start again: ▪ If you make a keying error, just delete it and start over.▪ In 1960 the family fled the island of Cuba and, like many others, started over in Miami to start doing something unsuccessfully get off to a bad start /get ˌɒf tʊ ə ˌbæd ˈstɑːʳt/ [verb phrase] ▪ I got off to a bad start at the interview by spilling my coffee all over my notes.▪ The senator got off to a bad start, twice forgetting the name of the town he was in get/start off on the wrong foot /get, stɑːʳt ˌɒf ɒn ðə ˌrɒŋ ˈfʊtǁ -ˌrɔːŋ-/ [verb phrase] to start something such as a relationship or job and be unsuccessful at the beginning, for example by unintentionally making people upset or angry: ▪ What should I wear on my first day? I don’t want to start off on the wrong foot.▪ John seems to have got off on the wrong foot with Angela she won’t even speak to him false start /ˌfɔːls ˈstɑːʳt/ [countable noun] an unsuccessful attempt to start doing something such as a piece of work or a plan: ▪ After a number of false starts, the Channel Tunnel between England and France finally went ahead in the late 80s 10 to start happening Ngân Phương Vy ~ August 05th, 2014 START / BEGIN (9) start/begin /stɑːʳt, bɪˈgɪn/ [intransitive verb] begin is more formal than start, and is used especially in written English: ▪ Do you know what time our first class starts?▪ My day starts at or o'clock, when the baby wakes up.▪ The movie was just beginning when Richard and James arrived.▪ Work on the new bridge will begin next year open /ˈəʊpən/ [intransitive verb] if a play or show opens, it starts being shown to the public: ▪ Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical will open later this year.▪ A permanent exhibition of Moore’s work will open next year kick off /ˌkɪk ˈɒf/ [intransitive phrasal verb] informal if a planned event such as a game or a meeting kicks off, it starts: ▪ If the meeting kicks off on time, we should be finished by 12 o'clock kick off with▪ The carnival kicked off with a wonderful firework display 11 to start to exist come into being/existence /ˌkʌm ɪntə ˈbiːɪŋ, ɪgˈzɪstəns/ [verb phrase] if something such as an organization or a country comes into being or into existence, it starts to exist: ▪ Pakistan came into existence as an independent country in 1947.▪ Darwin’s theory of evolution explains how different species came into being spring up /ˌsprɪŋ ˈʌp/ [intransitive phrasal verb] to suddenly start to exist in a very short period of time: ▪ Dozens of websites have sprung up to provide information for travelers.▪ New dot.com companies are springing up all the time arise /əˈraɪz/ [intransitive verb] if something such as a problem, a difficulty, or an argument arises, it appears or starts, usually as a result of something else happening: ▪ When a conflict arises in the workplace, you should aim to repair the relationship as quickly as possible arise from/out of▪ Low achievement at school often arises from poverty and bad social conditions if/when/should, etc the need arise if,, etc it becomes necessary▪ All staff are expected to some overtime, if the need arises be born /biː ˈbɔːʳn/ [verb phrase] if an important idea, group, or organization is born, it starts to exist - use this especially when you are describing the history of something ▪ With the invention of the electric guitar, rock ‘n’ roll was born.▪ Picasso was painting pictures in a Cubist style long before the Cubist movement was born the arrival of /ði əˈraɪvəl ɒv/ [noun phrase] when something new starts to exist or be used: ▪ The arrival of the railroads after the Civil War produced a huge building boom in California.▪ the arrival of gene technology 12 when something bad starts to happen break out /ˌbreɪk ˈaʊt/ [intransitive phrasal verb] to start happening - use this about unpleasant things like fires, wars, or diseases: ▪ A fire broke out on the top floor of the building.▪ Late last night, fighting broke out between gangs of rival football fans outbreak /ˈaʊtbreɪk/ [countable noun] when something unpleasant starts happening, such as a fire, war, or disease: ▪ Thousands of people died as the result of this latest cholera outbreak outbreak of▪ There’s been an outbreak of food poisoning at the hotel.▪ The system started to operate in late 1914, a few months after the outbreak of war in Europe erupt /ɪˈrʌpt/ [intransitive verb] if fighting, violence, etc erupts, it starts very suddenly: ▪ A fight over a game of cards had erupted in the corner of the bar.▪ Massive and often violent protests erupted across the country.▪ Gang violence can erupt for no apparent reason set in /ˌset ˈɪn/ [intransitive phrasal verb] if something bad sets in, for example bad weather or an illness, it starts and seems likely to continue: ▪ It looks as if the rain has set in for the day.▪ The doctors operated immediately to prevent any infection setting in.▪ Worldwide economic recession set in during the early 1980s Ngân Phương Vy ~ August 05th, 2014 START / BEGIN (10) 13 to make something start happening start /stɑːʳt/ [transitive verb] to make something start happening: ▪ The police have already started an investigation.▪ The referee couldn’t start the game because there were fans on the field.▪ A ‘safe neighbourhood’ campaign has been started by local residents launch /lɔːntʃ/ [transitive verb] launch an attack/appeal/inquiry, etc to start a public or military activity, when there is a clear aim that you want to achieve: ▪ Rebel forces launched an attack on the capital.▪ Police are launching a major murder inquiry.▪ The local hospital has launched a campaign to raise money for new X-ray equipment open /ˈəʊpən/ [transitive verb] open an investigation/inquiry to start an official process of gathering information about a particular problem, in order to find out what caused it or to find a solution: ▪ Police have opened an investigation into the girl’s disappearance.▪ The Football Association are to open an inquiry into recent crowd trouble initiate /ɪˈnɪʃieɪt/ [transitive verb] formal to start something such as an official process or discussion about something important: ▪ Peace talks have been initiated in an attempt to avert full scale war.▪ The couple plan to initiate legal proceedings against the police spark off /ˌspɑːʳk ˈɒf/ [transitive phrasal verb] to make something happen, especially something serious, difficult, or important: ▪ The murder sparked off a wave of protests in the city.▪ Recent freak weather conditions have sparked off renewed fears about the effects of global warming set in motion also set into motion American /ˌset ɪn ˈməʊʃən, ˌset ɪntə ˈməʊʃən/ [verb phrase] to start a process or series of events that will continue for a long time even if you take no further action: ▪ A few months later the divorce procedure was set in motion.▪ The government had already set into motion a series of reforms.▪ Wait’s actions had set in motion a chain of events that would eventually result in his dismissal get/start/set the ball rolling /ˌget, ˌstɑːʳt, ˌset ðə ˈbɔːl ˌrəʊlɪŋ/ [verb phrase] informal to start a meeting, discussion, event, etc by doing something in order to encourage other people to take part in it as well: ▪ Mark stood up and asked the first question to get the ball rolling.▪ To start the ball rolling, the government was asked to contribute £50,000 to the new charity get things moving /ˌget θɪŋz ˈmuːvɪŋ/ [verb phrase] to make a process start by doing or arranging the first part of it, after which it will become easier: ▪ Change is certainly needed and the new headteacher needs to get things moving quickly.▪ Once we got things moving, the deal went through very quickly (let’s) get this show on the road /(lets) get ðɪs ˌʃəʊ ɒn ðə ˈrəʊd/ [verb phrase] spoken use this to say that you now want to start something that you have been planning: ▪ Are you all packed and ready? Right, let’s get this show on the road.▪ We’re having another meeting next week, hopefully to really get this show on the road 14 to officially start a new system, method, rule, etc introduce/bring in /ˌɪntrəˈdjuːsǁ-ˈduːs, ˌbrɪŋ ˈɪn/ [transitive verb/transitive phrasal verb] to officially start a new system, method, or rule for the first time: ▪ The company is thinking of introducing medical tests for all employees.▪ New safety measures will be introduced next month.▪ The city authorities are bringing in new parking regulations next month phase in /ˌfeɪz ˈɪn/ [transitive phrasal verb] to introduce a new law or rule gradually, over a fairly long period of time: ▪ The new technology will be phased in over a five year period.▪ In an attempt to reduce opposition to its tax reforms, the government plans to phase them in gradually come into effect/operation /ˌkʌm ɪntʊ ɪˈfekt, ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənǁ-ˌɑːp-/ [verb phrase] if a new law or system comes into effect or comes into operation, it starts to be used officially: ▪ The new law came into effect in 1991.▪ Eventually a ban on the sale of fireworks to children came into operation Ngân Phương Vy ~ August 05th, 2014 START / BEGIN 10 (11) 15 to start a new business or organization start/start up /stɑːʳt, ˌstɑːʳt ˈʌp/ [transitive verb/transitive phrasal verb] to start a new business or organization: ▪ Luigi’s family came here in 1966 and started up a chain of restaurants.▪ John decided to start his own textile business shortly after the war open /ˈəʊpən/ [transitive verb] to start a business that provides services to the public, such as a shop, restaurant, or hotel: ▪ They just opened a new supermarket on Van Nuys Boulevard.▪ The rail company plans to open several new lines over the next five years set up /ˌset ˈʌp/ [transitive phrasal verb] to start a new business by making all the necessary arrangements, buying equipment, etc.: ▪ Kate and her partner are setting up their own printing business set up in business to start to run your own business▪ The Enterprise Center runs courses for people who want to set up in business on their own set up as▪ Dad set up as a builder in 1990 and now he employs over twenty men establish /ɪˈstæblɪʃ/ [transitive verb] to start an important organization that is intended to be permanent, or that continues for a very long time: ▪ The company was established in 1899.▪ Most of the money will be used to establish local industries and mobilize the work-force establishment [uncountable noun] ▪ The establishment of NATO in 1949 gave the US a leading role in the defence of Europe found /faʊnd/ [transitive verb usually in passive] to start an organization, school, hospital, etc., especially by providing the money for it - use this especially about something that was started a long time ago: ▪ Who originally founded the college?▪ The bank was founded 60 years ago in Munich foundation /faʊnˈdeɪʃən/ [uncountable noun] ▪ The hospital has served the needs of the local community since its foundation in 1863 inception /ɪnˈsepʃən/ [singular noun] formal the start of an organization, institution, or programme: ▪ Within a few years of its inception, the charity was involved in aid projects all around the world.▪ Not long after their inception, the welfare programs were under attack 16 when something starts a natural process start /stɑːʳt/ [transitive verb] ▪ Investigators still aren’t sure what started the fire.▪ It is thought that the avalanche was started by a small rock-fall on the higher slopes.▪ Adding acid to the test tube starts a chemical process which leads to the formation of crystals activate /ˈæktɪveɪt, ˈæktəveɪt/ [transitive verb] to start a natural process, especially one that will continue for a fairly long time - used especially in scientific contexts: ▪ The process is activated by sunlight.▪ In certain rare circumstances, these vaccines could activate disease set off /ˌset ˈɒf/ [transitive phrasal verb] to start a natural process, usually accidentally and with the result that it is difficult to stop it: ▪ In 1992, tidal waves set off by a strong earthquake killed around 2000 people.▪ The splitting of an atom sets off an explosive chain reaction 17 to start an old law, custom, system, etc after a long time bring back /ˌbrɪŋ ˈbæk/ [transitive phrasal verb] to start using a custom, system, law, etc again, that was used in the past but then stopped: ▪ Do you think they should bring back the death penalty?▪ They’re talking about bringing back formal grammar teaching reintroduce /ˌriːɪntrəˈdjuːsǁ-ˈduːs/ [transitive verb] to start using a law or system again after you had previously stopped using it: ▪ Many people think that student grants should be reintroduced.▪ They are reintroducing English as the official language in schools throughout the country Ngân Phương Vy ~ August 05th, 2014 START / BEGIN 11 (12) reintroduction /ˌriːɪntrəˈdʌkʃən/ [uncountable noun] ▪ the reintroduction of compulsory military service revive /rɪˈvaɪv/ [transitive verb] to start or strengthen something such as an old practice, custom, or idea after it had begun to disappear, so that it becomes popular again: ▪ a campaign to revive the tradition of holding a twominute silence on Armistice Day▪ They are planning to revive the old Saint’s Day parades through town revival [countable noun] ▪ a revival of interest in sixties music and style restore /rɪˈstɔːʳ/ [transitive verb] to introduce an old law, rule, etc that had been completely stopped: ▪ The earlier restrictions on currency exchange have now been restored restoration /ˌrestəˈreɪʃən/ [uncountable noun] ▪ Next week there will be a debate on the restoration of capital punishment resurrect /ˌrezəˈrekt/ [transitive verb] to start an old practice, custom, system, etc again after it has not existed for a long time, especially because you think that a changed situation makes it necessary or useful again: ▪ Old theories about the origin of the universe have recently been resurrected.▪ There’s a growing drive to resurrect the ancient woodland tradition of charcoal burning Ngân Phương Vy ~ August 05th, 2014 START / BEGIN 12 (13)