I commence

USAGE SUMMARY

"I commence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when talking about beginning to do something. For example, "I commence my new job tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And now I commence my reading of Haruki Murakami, not with "The Wind-Up Bird ChroNorwegian "NorWoodan Wood" but with this little book about running.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

World War I commenced and stretched out agonizingly.

The New York Times - Arts

I commenced to perambulate away, but I felt so awful.

The New Yorker

No sooner had I commenced than all of them, poor overworked fellows, sleepwalked out of earshot.

The New York Times - Books

But this could not last long, and soon I commenced to look around for something to do.

The New Yorker

When I commenced my doctorate at Cambridge there was the promise of an unconditional two-year work visa after graduation.

The Economist

From there I commenced to craft, if I do say so myself, an action-packed, tightly plotted, swashbuckling, rousingly romantic adventure.

The New York Times

So this morning, I commenced an operation, with the paramount concern being the well-being of Elian, the safety of the agents and others.

The New York Times

Only after I commenced county court proceedings against both did Iberia claim the reason for the delay was a screw getting inside a wheel.

The Guardian - Money

I commenced a small-scale archaeological dig in full view of a bunch of folks sitting on a stoop across the street and various passersby.

The New Yorker

At 9 o'clock the next morning, the Kid and I commenced our executive pursuit of winning the U.S.C.A. National Championship doubles and/or singles titles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I commence" when aiming for a formal or slightly elevated tone in your writing or speech. It is particularly suitable in professional, academic or official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "I commence" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound stilted or pretentious. Opt for more natural alternatives like "I begin" or "I start" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I commence" functions as a statement of intent or a declaration of action. As Ludwig AI points out, it expresses the beginning of an activity. The examples show it used to announce the start of a reading project or an operation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I commence" is grammatically correct but relatively formal, predominantly appearing in news media and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms this and explains how to correctly use it. While alternatives like "I begin" or "I start" are more common, "I commence" serves well when a more elevated or official tone is desired. However, avoid overusing it in casual settings to prevent sounding overly stilted. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and context-aware communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I begin

Direct synonym, less formal than "commence".

I start

Most common and informal alternative to "commence".

I initiate

Similar in formality to "commence", implies taking the first step.

I set about

Suggests a planned or deliberate beginning.

I undertake

Implies starting something significant or challenging.

I embark on

Suggests starting a journey or new phase.

I proceed

Indicates moving forward with something already planned.

I launch

Implies starting something new and public.

I get going

Informal way to express starting an activity.

I kick off

Informal, often used for starting a project or event.

FAQs

How can I use "I commence" in a sentence?

You can use "I commence" to indicate the beginning of an action. For example, "I commence my research tomorrow" or "I commence the meeting with a brief overview".

What are some alternatives to "I commence"?

Some alternatives to "I commence" include "I begin", "I start", or "I initiate". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "I commence" instead of "I start"?

"I commence" is more formal than "I start". Use "I commence" in formal settings, such as professional presentations or academic papers, where a more elevated tone is desired. In casual conversation, "I start" is generally more appropriate.

Is "I commence" considered outdated or unusual?

"I commence" is not necessarily outdated, but it is less common than alternatives like "I begin" or "I start". It is still perfectly acceptable in formal contexts, but avoid it when it is more appropriate to use "I begin" or "I start".