Word Compound
starting line
compound.
A2 Elementary
Definition
compound.the place on a track or field where people wait to begin a race.
compound.a physical or marked boundary indicating the point of commencement for a competitive race. It is also used figuratively to describe the initial stage of a project or process.
Examples
“The runners are waiting at the starting line.”
“Everyone stood behind the starting line, waiting for the official to fire the pistol.”
“As the athletes gathered at the starting line, the tension in the stadium became almost palpable.”
Usage
usually used with the preposition 'at' or 'behind'.
Teaching tip
use this to introduce the concept of compound nouns where the first word is a gerund (-ing form) acting as a descriptor for the second noun.
This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Updated