Start Work: Definition, Examples & Usage

Meaning 1：begin working (Start work)

Start work 🔊

/stɑːrt wɜːrk/

v. ph.

To begin doing your job, usually at a specific time like 9 AM.

Person starting work at desk with computer and coffee.

begin working 🔊

➕

/bɪˈɡɪn ˈwɜːrkɪŋ/

v. ph.

To begin your job duties or assigned tasks, typically at a scheduled time.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Start comes from Old English 'styrtan' (to leap up) + work from Old English 'weorc' (activity).

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a clock hands moving to 9, and you sit down to begin your tasks. Start + work = daily routine.

📖 Example

I usually start work at 9 o'clock, so I need to leave home by 8:15. 🔊 I normally begin working at 9 o'clock, so I have to leave home by 8:15.

🔗 Collocations

start work on – to begin a specific project or task

start work early – to begin working before the usual time

start work at – indicate the exact time work begins

🔄 Synonyms

commence duties (v. ph.) – to officially start one's job responsibilities

get to work (v. ph.) – to start performing tasks, often with a sense of urgency

begin the workday (n. ph.) – the act of starting one's daily job routine

🚫 Antonyms

finish work (v. ph.) – to stop working for the day

clock out (v. ph.) – to record the time one leaves work

call it a day (v. ph.) – to stop working for the rest of the day

📖 Cultural Story

The phrase 'start work' is common in modern workplaces to denote the official beginning of daily duties, often at a fixed time like 9 AM. It reflects the structured schedule of industrial and office environments.