Make a start on Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈmeɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈstɑɹt/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn

MAYK uh START awn

UK

mˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /stˈɑːt/ /ˈɒn

MAYK uh STAHT on

Definition

To begin doing something, especially when starting a new task or project.

Usage & Nuances

Common in both formal and informal speech. Often used for tasks, projects, plans, or activities: 'make a start on dinner,' 'make a start on homework.' Slightly more tentative/polite than 'start,' suggesting beginning something but without finishing it right away.

• Spanish: empezar con - comenzar con
• Portuguese (BR): começar - começar a fazer
• Portuguese (PT): começar - começar a fazer
• Chinese (Simplified): 开始做 - 着手进行
• Chinese (Traditional): 開始做 - 著手進行
• Hindi: शुरुआत करना
• Arabic: يبدأ في
• Bengali: শুরু করা - হাতে নেওয়া
• Russian: приступить к - начать
• Japanese: 取りかかる
• Vietnamese: bắt đầu - khởi động
• Korean: 착수하다 - 시작하다
• Turkish: başlamak - işe koyulmak
• Urdu: آغاز کرنا - شروعات کرنا
• Indonesian: memulai - mulai mengerjakan

Example Sentences

I'm going to make a start on my homework now.

basic

Let's make a start on dinner.

basic

We should make a start on the project soon.

basic

I know it's late, but I'll make a start on cleaning the kitchen.

natural

If you make a start on packing now, you'll finish faster tomorrow.

natural

Even if you only make a start on the essay tonight, it's better than nothing.

natural