[Grammar] My wife talking to the gardner vs talking to my son

[B45]

Please start with/on the dishes today.

VS


Please start with/on the Math problems and we'll work on your English essay later.

Please choose the correct prepositions for me.

Thank you

 

[bhaisahab]

Please start with/on the dishes today.

VS


Please start with/on the Math problems and we'll work on your English essay later.

Please choose the correct prepositions for me.

Thank you

I'm intrigued. Is the gardener going to do the dishes or the Math problems? He wouldn't seem to be particularly qualified to do either, but one never knows.

 

[5jj]

They're both OK. If it's clear that another action is to follow, I'd use 'with'.

 

[B45]

I'm intrigued. Is the gardener going to do the dishes or the Math problems? He wouldn't seem to be particularly qualified to do either, but one never knows.

I'm sorry, I should change the title to: My wife talking to the helper vs talking to our son. Good catch my friend.

 

[SoothingDave]

"Start with the dishes" = do the dishes first.
"Start on the dishes" = begin the task of washing the dishes (perhaps it is so monumental that it will require several days.)

 

[Barb_D]

I was going to make essentially the same comment as Dave, except for the math problems.
Start with the math problems - do those first
Start on the math problems - I don't think you'll be able to finish them