Start on sb Meaning & Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Start on sb” Mean?

“Start on sb” means to begin criticizing, attacking, or confronting someone, often in an aggressive or sudden way.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “Start on sb” is commonly used in informal English to describe the action of someone beginning to criticize or argue with another person. Understanding the Start on sb meaning helps you recognize when someone is being targeted or confronted, whether verbally or physically. This phrase often suggests that the action is somewhat unexpected or harsh, making it useful in everyday conversations, storytelling, and even in workplace situations.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: Start on somebody (sb)
• Type: Transitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: To begin criticizing or attacking someone

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Start on sb” is a transitive and inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot separate “start” and “on” by inserting the object between them.

Correct pattern: start on + somebody

Incorrect pattern: start + somebody + on

How to Use Start on sb?

Use “start on sb” when you want to describe someone beginning to criticize, argue with, or attack another person. It can be used in many contexts — from casual disagreements to serious confrontations. It often implies the action is sudden or unprovoked.

Examples

Imagine a situation where a teacher suddenly criticizes a student during class. You could say:

• “The teacher started on him for not doing his homework.”
• “Why did you start on me in front of everyone?”
• “She started on her brother after he broke her phone.”
• “They started on the new manager as soon as he arrived.”
• “Don’t start on me about being late again!”

These sentences show Start on sb in a sentence used naturally in different settings.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes, learners confuse the word order or try to separate the phrasal verb incorrectly. For example:

• Incorrect: “She started him on for being rude.”
• Correct: “She started on him for being rude.”
• Incorrect: “They started on criticizing him.”
• Correct: “They started on him.”

Remember, “start on” must be followed immediately by the person (object).

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrasal verbs include “pick on,” “go after,” and “lash out at.” However, there are differences:

• Pick on sb: To bully or treat someone unfairly repeatedly.
• Go after sb: To try to harm or criticize someone, sometimes physically.
• Lash out at sb: To suddenly attack someone verbally or physically, often in anger.

“Start on sb” usually refers to the beginning of criticism or attack, often unexpectedly.

Common Collocations

People often use “start on” with these objects:

• Someone’s behavior – Criticizing how someone acts.
• Someone’s mistakes – Pointing out errors.
• Someone’s appearance – Making remarks about looks.
• Someone personally – Attacking the person, not just their actions.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of start on sb:

• Start On Sth
• Start Off Doing Sth
• Start Out To Do Sth
• Start Sth Over
• Start In On Sb

Real-life Dialogue

Here’s a short conversation using “start on sb”:

Anna: Why did you start on Jake yesterday?

Ben: I didn’t mean to, but he kept interrupting me.

Anna: Still, you could have handled it better.

Ben: You’re right. I shouldn’t have started on him like that.

Practice

Try to complete the sentence with the correct form of “start on sb”:

• When the boss __________ (start on / started on) me about the report, I felt very stressed.
• Don’t __________ (start on / start) your sister for being late again.
• They __________ (started on / started) him immediately after he joined the team.

FAQ

• Q: Can “start on sb” be used for physical attacks?

  A: Yes, it can refer to beginning a physical or verbal attack.

• Q: Is “start on sb” formal or informal?

  A: It is more informal and commonly used in everyday speech.
• Q: Can I use “start on” without an object?

  A: No, “start on” needs an object, usually a person.

• Q: What is the difference between “start on sb” and “pick on sb”?

  “Start on sb” means to begin criticizing or attacking, while “pick on sb” implies repeated bullying.
• Q: Is “start on sb” separable?

  No, you cannot separate “start” and “on” by placing the object between them.