What Does “Start out to do sth” Mean?
“Start out to do sth” means to begin an activity with a specific goal or intention in mind. It often refers to the initial effort or plan to achieve something.
Introduction
The phrase “start out to do sth” is commonly used in English to describe the beginning of an action or project with a clear purpose. Understanding the start out to do sth meaning helps learners express intentions or the first steps they take toward a goal. This phrasal verb is useful in both spoken and written English, especially when talking about plans, careers, or personal projects. It emphasizes the starting point and the purpose behind an action, making it more precise than just saying “start.”
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: start out to do something
- Type: Intransitive (often followed by an infinitive verb)
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To begin with the intention of doing something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Start out to do sth” is usually followed by an infinitive verb (to + base form). It is inseparable, meaning you cannot separate “start out” from “to do sth.”
- Correct pattern: start out to + verb (e.g., start out to learn)
- Incorrect: start out + verb-ing without “to” (unless used differently)
How to Use Start out to do sth?
Use “start out to do sth” when you want to emphasize the initial intention or plan behind beginning an action. It often highlights the goal at the beginning rather than the process itself.
For example, when talking about a career, hobby, or project, you might say:
- She started out to become a doctor but later changed her mind.
- They started out to build a small business and ended up expanding internationally.
Examples
Here are some natural sentences using “start out to do sth in a sentence”:
- He started out to write a novel but finished a series of short stories instead.
- We started out to clean the house but got distracted by a phone call.
- They started out to learn French before traveling to Paris.
- She started out to run a marathon but injured her knee during training.
- John started out to fix the car but had to call a mechanic.
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse “start out to do sth” with other similar phrases or use the wrong verb form. Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: She started out doing a project.
Correct: She started out to do a project. - Incorrect: They start out learn English.
Correct: They started out to learn English. - Incorrect: I start out to cooking.
Correct: I started out to cook.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include “set out to do sth” and “begin to do sth.” While all indicate starting an action, “start out to do sth” often implies a clear original intention or goal.
- Set out to do sth: Usually more formal, with a strong sense of planning or purpose.
- Begin to do sth: More neutral and general about starting an action.
- Start out to do sth: Focuses on the initial intention or plan when beginning something.
Common Collocations
“Start out to do sth” is commonly used with verbs related to goals or projects. Here are some common collocations:
- Start out to learn (gain knowledge or skills)
- Start out to build (create or develop something)
- Start out to write (compose a text or story)
- Start out to help (assist or support)
- Start out to change (make something different)
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of start out to do sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “start out to do sth” naturally:
Anna: Did you always want to be a teacher?
Mark: Actually, I started out to be a lawyer, but I found teaching more rewarding.
Anna: That’s interesting! So your original plan changed?
Mark: Yes, but starting out to do something helped me discover my true passion.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “start out to do sth”:
- She __________ (start out) to learn Spanish before her trip.
- We __________ (start out) to build a website, but now we have an app.
- He __________ (start out) to write a blog but ended up making videos.
Answers: started out to learn, started out to build, started out to write
FAQ
- Q: Is “start out to do sth” formal or informal?
A: It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. - Q: Can I use “start out doing sth” instead?
A: “Start out doing sth” is less common and may change the meaning slightly. “Start out to do sth” is preferred for expressing intention. - Q: What is the difference between “start out to do sth” and “set out to do sth”?
A: Both mean to begin with a goal, but “set out” sounds more formal and determined. - Q: Can “start out to do sth” be used in the past tense?
A: Yes, it is commonly used in past tense as “started out to do sth.” - Q: Is “start out to do sth” separable?
A: No, the phrase is inseparable and must stay together.
