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"Start off" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "empezar", and "start out" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "salir". Learn more about the difference between "start off" and "start out" below.
start off(
stard
af
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. empezar
When Saray heard her name at the award ceremony, she started off by crying, but then began to laugh.Cuando Saray escuchó su nombre en la ceremonia de premios, empezó a llorar y luego se echó a reír.
b. comenzar
Baseball practice started off with throwing and catching.La práctica de béisbol comenzó con lanzamientos entre jugadores.
a. arrancar
Grandma's old car started off with a loud backfire and a lurch forward.El viejo carro de la abuela arrancó con un fuerte petardeo y un impulso hacia delante.
b. salir
Mariana was late, so she took her bag and started off to school.Mariana llegaba tarde, así que agarró su mochila y salió para la escuela.
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. comenzar
Madison started off her season by making 50 baskets during the first game.Madison comenzó su temporada con 50 canastas durante el primer partido.
b. empezar
Gloria shocked everyone when she said we should start off the town council meeting with a prayer.Gloria sorprendió a todos cuando dijo que debíamos empezar la reunión del consejo municipal con una oración.
start out(
stard
aut
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (to set out)
a. empezar
Andrea started out as a receptionist, and now she holds a high position in the company.Andrea empezó como recepcionista, y ahora tiene un alto cargo en la empresa.
a. empezar
I started out thinking she was a nice person, but then I realized I was mistaken.Empecé creyendo que era una buena persona, pero después me di cuenta de que estaba equivocada.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I started out liking my job, but I eventually got bored.Al principio, el trabajo me gustaba, pero con el tiempo me aburrí.
Sue hadn't started out to teach.Sue no había empezado con la idea de ser maestra.
