I commenced discussing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I commenced discussing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the beginning of a conversation or dialogue about a specific topic. Example: "During the meeting, I commenced discussing the new project timeline and its implications for our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI), Fielding wrote that members of their respective staff meet as "early as" possible to "re-commence discussing possibilities for reaching an accommodation between the Branches on this matter".

Huffington Post

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

I commenced to walk backward...

Huffington Post

That's not all I commenced adding up.

Huffington Post

I met a new circle of friends, and I commenced with my fast-paced lifestyle.

Huffington Post

This was nine parts SKYY and one part Mr. & Mrs. T. I commenced to sipping.

Huffington Post

On October 16, I commenced a journey from Seattle to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

HuffPost

"I went there, I listened, I discussed.

The New York Times

It commences with discussing MH, a mail-handling application developed by the RAND Corporation.

Linux and the Unix Philosophy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a more formal tone, "I commenced discussing" is suitable. However, in most contexts, simpler alternatives like "I began discussing" or "I started discussing" are clearer and more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "I commenced discussing" in casual conversation. It can sound pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "I started talking about" for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I commenced discussing" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a conversation or deliberation by the speaker. Ludwig's analysis indicates the phrase is grammatically correct, although less frequently used than simpler alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I commenced discussing" is grammatically correct but relatively uncommon in modern English. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness but suggests simpler alternatives like "I began discussing" or "I started discussing" are often preferable for clarity and directness. It is most appropriate in formal contexts where a more elevated tone is desired. While you can find the phrase in authoritative sources such as The New York Times, it's crucial to be mindful of sounding overly verbose and adjust your language to suit your audience and the situation. The frequency analysis suggests it is rare, and its use is slightly more prevalent in news, science and wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began discussing

Replaces "commenced" with the more common and simpler word "began".

I started discussing

Uses "started" as a direct synonym for "commenced", making the phrase slightly more informal.

I initiated a discussion about

Adds "a discussion" and "about", emphasizing the act of starting a formal conversation.

I proceeded to discuss

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the action, indicating a move to the discussion after something else.

I took up the discussion of

Implies a resumption or continuation of a previously initiated topic.

I opened a discussion on

Uses "opened" to signify the commencement of the discussion.

I embarked on a discussion about

Uses "embarked" to suggest a more involved or lengthy discussion.

I broached the subject of discussion

Implies gently introducing a topic for discussion, often a sensitive one.

I launched into a discussion regarding

Suggests a sudden and enthusiastic beginning of a discussion.

I set about discussing

Emphasizes the deliberate and planned nature of starting the discussion.

FAQs

What is a simpler alternative to "I commenced discussing"?

You can use alternatives like "I began discussing" or "I started discussing", which are more common and less formal.

In what contexts is "I commenced discussing" most appropriate?

This phrase is most appropriate in formal writing or speech where a more elevated tone is desired. However, be mindful of sounding overly verbose.

How does "I commenced discussing" differ from "I initiated a discussion about"?

"I commenced discussing" directly states the action of starting to discuss, while "I initiated a discussion about" emphasizes the act of starting a formal discussion on a particular topic.

Is "I commenced to discuss" grammatically correct?

While "I commenced discussing" is grammatically correct, "I commenced to discuss" is also acceptable but less common in modern English. Both convey the same meaning.