I commenced work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I commenced work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the beginning of a job or task, often in a formal or professional context. Example: "After completing my training, I commenced work at the new company last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But by fall I had gotten myself sufficiently together to re-enroll, and I soon commenced work on a documentary project that led me back to Margaret.

The New York Times

In 1977 he commenced work on the Quinta da Malagueira development in Évora, consisting of 1,200 single-family row houses constructed in phases over more than 20 years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Winston and Peter Middelfart (from Denmark) have commenced work on a project to produce a checklist of the gastropods and bivalves of Australia, building on Brian Smith's non-marine catalogue.

University of California, Berkeley

He commenced work in 1947, but the project proceeded slowly.

Wikipedia

Meanwhile, Dr Banissy has just commenced work on behavioural interventions to address low empathy levels.

Vice

Meanwhile, Dr. Banissy has just commenced work on behavioral interventions to address low empathy levels.

Vice

Working with J. Curry Street, he commenced work on a cyclotron.

Wikipedia

The Los Alamos Laboratory and the Army Air Forces had already commenced work on improving the design.

Wikipedia

The band then reconvened in the beginning of 2002 and commenced work on a new album.

Wikipedia

Woodruff also commenced work on antilymphocyte serum for immunosuppression, with little initial success.

Wikipedia

degree in 1929, and then commenced work on his 1932 doctor of philosophy (Ph.D).

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "I commenced work" is more appropriate in formal writing or historical narratives. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives like "I started work" are often preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "I commenced work" in casual settings. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound unnatural or pretentious. Opt for more common and accessible alternatives when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I commenced work" functions as a declarative statement, indicating the beginning of employment or the undertaking of a specific task. While grammatically sound, Ludwig AI notes it's a somewhat formal way to express this. Examples from Ludwig show similar phrases used in various contexts, but often simpler alternatives are preferred.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I commenced work" is grammatically correct but leans toward formality. While usable, Ludwig suggests considering simpler alternatives like "I started work" for modern contexts. Its function is to declare the start of employment or a task, with a register best suited for formal or scientific settings. Though grammatically sound, it's less common in everyday speech. As Ludwig AI confirms, while not incorrect, this expression might sound somewhat stiff in contemporary usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began working

More common and slightly less formal than "commenced".

I started work

Simple and widely used alternative with a neutral tone.

I initiated my work

Similar in formality to "commenced", but emphasizes the act of starting.

I started my job

Very direct and simple way of expressing the start of employment.

I undertook the task

Focuses on a specific assignment rather than general employment.

I took up my duties

Highlights responsibilities and obligations.

I assumed my position

Emphasizes the role or job title.

I got down to business

Informal and emphasizes immediate action.

I set to work

Implies focused effort and determination.

I launched into the project

Focuses on the start of a specific project and can be less formal.

FAQs

What's a more modern alternative to "I commenced work"?

You can use alternatives like "I started work", "I began working", or "I started my job" for a less formal tone.

Is "I commenced work" grammatically incorrect?

No, "I commenced work" is grammatically correct, but it's considered a more formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to express that you started a job or task. Simpler alternatives are more common in contemporary English.

When is it appropriate to use "I commenced work"?

It's suitable in formal writing, historical contexts, or when aiming for a deliberately formal or old-fashioned tone. However, in most everyday situations, alternatives like "I started working" are more appropriate.

What's the difference between "I commenced work" and "I started work"?

"I commenced work" is more formal and less frequently used compared to "I started work", which is a simpler and more common expression. The difference lies mainly in the level of formality and the frequency of use in modern English.