Start off

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StephenLai

#209972 Mon, 27 Mar 06 09:28 AM

"start off" means begin.

start off doing something or start off to do somthing

Which is right?

Thanks in advance

StephenLai

Joined on Thu, Mar 9 2006

Taiwan

Junior Member (76)

I want to learn English. Please help me and thanks in advance.

Mister Micawber

#209982 Mon, 27 Mar 06 10:32 AM

Hmm. Both will work. However, to me the second form (with the infinitive) seems to suggest the motion of off.

We started off trying the widget in the thingamajig = our first attempt was to try the widget in the thingamajig.
We started off to try the widget in the thingamajig = we left the area in order to go and try the widget in the thingamajig.

There may be other opinions.

Mister Micawber

Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004

Yokohama

Veteran Member (21,213)

'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'

CalifJim

#210094 Mon, 27 Mar 06 05:32 PM

It's start off by doing in my book!

We started off by collecting the ingredients for the recipe.

Or start off to do when off indicates motion away and to do is an infinitive of purpose as Mr. M. described above.

CJ

CalifJim

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004

California

Veteran Member (16,954)

"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

StephenLai

#210290 Tue, 28 Mar 06 09:13 AM

Thank you bery much~ Smile [:)]

StephenLai