# start to

CEFR A1 · Fixed phrase

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/start-to
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to begin doing an action or to enter a new state.

For teachers: an aspectual construction using the infinitive to indicate the inception of an action or state; functionally similar to 'start' followed by a gerund.

## Examples

- It is starting to rain.
- After a few minutes of silence, the audience started to clap and cheer for the band.
- As the global economy began its slow recovery, investors started to regain confidence in the stability of emerging markets.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He starts to playing." but "He starts to play." — the word 'to' must be followed by the base form of the verb, not the -ing form.

## Usage notes

- followed by the base form of a verb to show the beginning of an activity.
- Teaching tip: help students notice that 'start to [verb]' and 'start [verb]-ing' are usually interchangeable, though 'start to' is often preferred for stative verbs like 'understand' or 'realize'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.