English Reference

Phrasal verb

start up

Irregular verb

Forms

Infinitive

start up

Past

started up

Past participle

started up

Definition

phrasal verb. to begin a new business, organization, or project. You can also use it when a machine or computer begins to work.

phrasal verb. to initiate the operation of a machine or the establishment of a commercial enterprise. As a transitive verb, it requires an object; as an intransitive verb, it describes the commencement of a process or engine function.

Examples

“They want to start up a new software company.”

“It takes a few minutes for the old computer to start up every morning.”

“The entrepreneur managed to start up three successful ventures before the age of thirty, despite the challenging economic climate.”

Examples

simple

“They want to start up a new software company.”

contextual

“It takes a few minutes for the old computer to start up every morning.”

complex

“The entrepreneur managed to start up three successful ventures before the age of thirty, despite the challenging economic climate.”

Usage

when used for businesses, it is often transitive; when used for engines or computers, it can be intransitive.

Teaching tip

contrast with the noun 'startup' (one word), which refers to the company itself; the phrasal verb is two words.

Pitfall

I will start up to my computer.

I will start up my computer.

the verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

start + up (+ object)

Synonyms

launchestablishbeginactivate

Antonyms

shut downclosestop

Word family

VERB

NOUN

ADJECTIVE

ADVERB

PHRASAL VERB

start up(B1)

PREPOSITION

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Very common
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference