start

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


The young Australian has a finecontempt for the English word to begin, which he neveruses where he can find any substitute. He says commenceor start, and he always uses commence followedby the infinitive instead of by the verbal noun, as «The dogcommenced to bark.»

1896. Modern talk in the train:

«The horse started to stop, and the backers commenced tohoot.»

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