Meaning & use
being a self starter
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
the quality or state of being a person who acts on their own without needing to be told what to do
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase, often after 'means' or 'is about': Being a self starter means taking action without waiting.
Patterns
- being a self starter means ...
- being a self starter is important for ...
Being a self starter is one of the most valued qualities in a new employee.
The job description says that being a self starter is essential because no one will check on you daily.
phrasefixed phrase
used to describe someone who is currently showing the habit of working or acting without being prompted
Grammar: Often follows a form of 'be' to describe a person's current behavior: She is being a self starter this week.
Patterns
- someone is being a self starter
- being a self starter in something
He is being a self starter by organizing the team's schedule without being asked.
You are being a self starter when you find a solution before anyone reports the problem.
Common combinations
- being a self starter means
- Being a self starter means you don't wait for instructions.
- being a self starter is important
- Being a self starter is important in this role.
- being a self starter in the workplace
- Being a self starter in the workplace can lead to faster promotions.
Synonyms and how they differ
- self-motivated
- Describes a person who has inner drive; it focuses on motivation, while 'being a self starter' focuses on taking action.
- proactive
- Means acting in advance to deal with expected problems; it is more about preventing issues than simply starting work.
Opposites
Word family
- self-starter noun
- A person who works without needing to be told what to do.
- self-starting adjective
- Describing someone who acts on their own initiative.
Commonly confused: being a self starter or self-starter?
being a self starter vs self-starter
The hyphenated noun 'self-starter' is a person; the phrase 'being a self starter' describes the quality or the action.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'being a self starter' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 1 correctly defines the phrase as acting without being told. Option 0 and 3 describe the opposite (waiting, following orders), and option 2 describes asking for help, which is not typically self-starting.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “being a self starter”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.