What Does โStart sth upโ Mean?
โStart sth upโ means to begin or set something in motion, especially a business, machine, or project.
Introduction
The phrasal verb start sth up is commonly used in both everyday and business English. It refers to the action of beginning or launching something, such as a company, machine, or activity. Understanding the start sth up meaning helps learners describe the process of initiating new tasks or ventures clearly and naturally. This phrase is versatile and appears in many contexts, from technology to entrepreneurship. Knowing how to use it correctly will improve your fluency and confidence in speaking and writing English.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: start something up
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B1
- Short meaning: To begin or launch something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
Start sth up is a separable phrasal verb. This means the object can come between the verb and the particle or after the particle.
- Start + object + up
Example: She started the computer up. - Start up + object
Example: She started up the computer.
Note: When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
- Correct: Start it up.
- Incorrect: Start up it.
How to Use Start sth up?
You use start sth up when talking about initiating something new, such as a business, machine, or project. It often implies the beginning of something that takes effort or time. It can describe turning on machines or launching companies and programs.
Example contexts include:
- Starting a new small business
- Turning on a machine or device
- Launching a software or computer program
- Beginning a new activity or project
Examples
Here are some natural examples showing how to use start sth up in a sentence:
- After college, she decided to start up her own bakery.
- Can you help me start up the printer? Itโs not working.
- They started up a new charity to help local children.
- He started the engine up and drove away quickly.
- We need to start up the meeting at 10 a.m.
Common Mistakes
People often confuse the placement of the object in this phrasal verb. For example:
- Incorrect: I will start up it tomorrow.
Correct: I will start it up tomorrow. - Incorrect: She started up a new project it.
Correct: She started up a new project.
Remember, when using pronouns, place them between start and up.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include set up, turn on, and launch. Each has a slightly different meaning:
- Set up means to arrange or establish something (e.g., set up a meeting).
- Turn on is used specifically for electrical devices (e.g., turn on the lights).
- Launch is more formal and often used for products or businesses (e.g., launch a new app).
Start sth up is more casual and can apply to both machines and businesses.
Common Collocations
Here are common objects used with start sth up and their meanings:
- Business โ to begin a company or commercial activity
- Machine โ to turn on a device or equipment
- Computer โ to power on or launch a computer
- Project โ to begin a new task or plan
- Engine โ to start the motor of a vehicle
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of start sth up:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using start sth up naturally:
Tom: Can you help me start up the new coffee machine?
Lisa: Sure! Just press this button and wait for it to heat up.
Tom: Great, thanks! I want to start up my own cafรฉ soon.
Practice
Try filling in the blanks with the correct form of start sth up:
- She wants to _______ a small business next year.
- Can you _______ the computer _______ for me?
- They _______ a new project last week.
- I need to _______ my car _______ before we leave.
FAQ
- What does โstart sth upโ mean?
It means to begin or launch something, like a business or machine. - Is โstart sth upโ separable?
Yes, the object can go between โstartโ and โupโ or after โup.โ - Can I use โstart sth upโ with pronouns?
Yes, but the pronoun must be placed between the verb and the particle (e.g., start it up). - What is the difference between โstart upโ and โset upโ?
โStart upโ means to begin something, while โset upโ means to arrange or establish it. - Can โstart sth upโ be used for machines?
Yes, it is often used when turning machines or devices on.
