collocation · neutral
start a family
UK/stɑːt ə ˈfæməli/US/stɑrt ə ˈfæməli/start·a·FAM·ily
Band 4-5speakingtask2
begin having children and raising a household; begin family life
Examples
“They decided to start a family after finishing their studies.”
“Many couples wait a few years of marriage before they start a family.”
“Starting a family requires financial and emotional preparation.”
Band 8 sentence
“Many couples prefer to secure stable jobs and housing before they start a family, because raising children is expensive.”
Collocations
- decide to start a family
- wait to start a family
Word family
start a family verb phrasestarted a family verb (past)starting a family gerund
Common mistakes
start family→start a family
begin a family→start a family
Say it for a higher band
5have children→6have a family→7+start a family
Synonyms
have children
Easily confused
have children
“They decided to have children when they felt ready.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Family & Relationships
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