We would start on the tub and clean that out

Question

Cleaning service------------------Cleaning lady: We would start in your home by dusting.We would then vacuum. Ah, when we vacuum.......When we go into a bathroom, we would start in the tub area, thoroughly cleaning the tiles, and then we would start on the tub and clean that out, doing the shower doors if there are any.--------------------------------------------------------------------1- Is "start on" a phrasal verb in this dialogue? What does it mean?2- Is "start in" a phrasal verb in this dialogue? What does it mean?Thank you

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

rezaenglish1- Is "start on" a phrasal verb in this dialogue? What does it mean?
2- Is "start in" a phrasal verb in this dialogue? What does it mean?

The two cases are very similar. You can add "to work" or "working" after "start" in each case.

We would start (working) in the tub area.
(We would [work/clean] first in the area where the tub is located.)

We would start (working) on the tub.
(We would [work on / clean] the tub first.)

In my opinion 'start in' is not a phrasal verb, and it's debatable whether 'start on' is a phrasal verb. I've seen 'start on' called a phrasal verb, but it doesn't seem phrasal to me except in the meaning 'begin to criticize' (Don't start on me! ~ Don't begin to criticize me!), and that meaning does not apply in the given example.

CJ

We would start on the tub and clean that out

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