as we commence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we commence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of an event, meeting, or process. Example: "As we commence this meeting, I would like to thank everyone for their attendance and participation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Please fasten your seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen, as we commence our descent.

The Guardian - Travel

And as we commence Year 2, the Haggler seeks your help.

The New York Times

"Now that the incoming board and I can focus on the future I will issue a further press statement outlining the immediate and intermediate steps that we have to take as we commence the road to re-establishing Rangers to the institution that its legacy demands".

The Guardian - Sport

"Now that the incoming board and I can focus on the future I will issue a further press statement outlining the immediate and intermediate steps that we have to take as we commence the road to re-establishing Rangers to the institution that its legacy demands," he said.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As we commenced the third game, I felt a sudden surge of adrenaline.

The New York Times

A man behind me yelled blessings to the dead as we commenced our walk towards the Medina graveyard.

Huffington Post

And those conversations in which the judge plainly received information extrajudicially constitute a separate violation of Canon 3(a)(iv).... CHIEF JUSTICE HARRY T. EDWARDS -- At what point -- I don't recall -- at what point, at what stage in the proceedings below did the interviews, as far as we know, commence?

The New York Times

"As you are aware, we commenced discussions with 888 last November," Ladbrokes chairman Sir Ian Robinson said.

The Guardian - Business

(A Texas appellate judge once wrote that when Grigson appeared on the stand the defendant might as well "commence writing out his last will and testament").

The New Yorker

In fact we have seen an etiquette journey commence, as we as humans learn the role our behaviors play when the arena is always switched on and connected.

Huffington Post

As we know, the Obeids have commenced their civil action against Icac and counsel assisting.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we commence" to mark the formal beginning of an event, speech, or process, especially when addressing an audience or initiating a new project. It adds a tone of deliberate action and considered intention.

Common error

Avoid using "as we commence" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound stilted or pretentious in contexts where a simpler phrase like "as we begin" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we commence" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a clause that sets the stage for the main action. It signals the beginning of an event, process, or activity, preparing the audience for what is to follow. Ludwig examples show it in formal announcements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as we commence" is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a clause signaling the beginning of an event or process. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, but examples show it's relatively rare. Its formal tone makes it suitable for professional or official contexts, commonly found in news and business domains. Alternatives include "as we begin" or "as we start", which are less formal and more versatile. When writing, it's best to use "as we commence" to add a tone of deliberate action, but avoid it in informal settings where simpler language would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as we begin

Replaces "commence" with the more common synonym "begin".

as we start

Uses "start" instead of "commence", offering a slightly less formal alternative.

as we initiate

Substitutes "commence" with "initiate", suggesting a more formal tone.

as we undertake

Emphasizes the act of taking on a task or endeavor.

as we proceed

Focuses on the continuation of an action after the beginning.

upon starting

Changes the structure to a prepositional phrase, emphasizing the moment of starting.

when we begin

Introduces a temporal element, focusing on the time when the action starts.

at the start of

Uses a noun phrase to denote the beginning.

with the commencement of

Transforms the phrase into a more formal and noun-heavy structure.

now that we are beginning

Emphasizes the present and ongoing nature of the beginning.

FAQs

What does "as we commence" mean?

The phrase "as we commence" means "as we begin" or "as we start". It is often used to formally introduce the beginning of an event, process, or discussion.

When is it appropriate to use "as we commence"?

It is appropriate to use "as we commence" in formal settings, such as presentations, speeches, or official documents. It adds a touch of formality and signals the start of something important.

What can I say instead of "as we commence"?

You can use alternatives like "as we begin", "as we start", or "as we initiate" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "as we commence" better than "as we begin"?

Neither phrase is inherently better; it depends on the context. "As we commence" is more formal, while "as we begin" is more common and versatile. Choose the phrase that best suits the tone and audience.