Meaning trap

kick off

to begin an event or activity

to start something, especially an event, meeting, or activity.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

to begin an event or activity

to start something, especially an event, meeting, or activity.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

The conference will kick off at 9 a.m. with a welcome speech.daily life
To kick off my presentation, I’d like to share a personal story that relates to the topic.IELTS speaking

Pattern: kick off (something) / kick (something) off

WrongLet's kick off with the meeting.

RightLet's kick off the meeting. / Let's kick off with introductions.

'Kick off + event' (start it), OR 'kick off WITH + the first item'. Don't say 'kick off with the meeting' when you mean start it.

Patternkick off (something) / kick (something) off

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The conference will formally commence at nine.

Natural The conference kicks off at nine.

'Kick off' is the lively, natural verb for starting an event. 'Formally commence' is stiff.

Words that usually travel with it.

'Kick off' is less formal than 'commence' or 'begin'.