Bob crossed the street at a red light

[Bassim]

I am wondering if my sentences sound natural.

Bob crossed the street at a red light and drew an admonitory stare from a professorial-looking man. "Mind your own business," Bob growled and the man startled, taking a step back.

 

[teechar]

It's okay, but I don't think I've ever used the word "admonitory" before. ;-)

 

[SoothingDave]

I've never heard anyone use it!

 

[GoesStation]

The man started.

 

[Bassim]

GoesStation,

My sentence is, "The man startled," not "started." He was afraid of Bob

 

[Rover_KE]

The intransitive verbs 'start' and 'startle', with similar meanings - jump or recoil in surprise/fear, are very rarely used and are best avoided.

I'd say '...the man was startled and stepped back in alarm'.

 

[Bassim]

Thank you to all of you.
I have to apologize to GoesStatation.
I have forgotten that "start" could also mean jump in fear.

 

[GoesStation]

No need to apologize, Bassim. I think started would be OK there. I don't think it's terribly rare in the sense of "was startled".