begin a voyage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin a voyage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the start of a journey, particularly one that involves travel by sea or exploration. Example: "As the sun rose over the horizon, we were ready to begin a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

One, the Whetstone Galley, named for Rogers' father in law, received the letters before being sent to Africa to begin a voyage in the slave trade.

Wikipedia

He was undisturbed by the fact that it was a Friday, contrary to the common sailors' superstition that it is bad luck to begin a voyage on a Friday.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Thus began a voyage that may as well have taken place in a parallel dimension for all the relationship the distance travelled had to the time it took.Still, long trips are good for reading.

The Economist

Further training exercises lasted until 1 July, when the I Division began a voyage into the Atlantic Ocean.

Wikipedia

Minas Geraes left the Tyne on 5 February 1910 and traveled to Plymouth before beginning a voyage to the United States on 8 February.

Wikipedia

Homer's Odyssey provides the poem's narrative background: in its eleventh book the prophet Tiresias foretells that Ulysses will return to Ithaca after a difficult voyage, then begin a new, mysterious voyage, and later die a peaceful, "unwarlike" death that comes vaguely "from the sea".

Wikipedia

To get to Brazil, I boarded Europa in Tenerife, where she began a long voyage to the Antarctic.

The Guardian - Travel

Ancestors in Our Genome: The New Science of Human Evolution by Eugene E. Harris [Oxford University Press, 2014; Amazon UK hardcover/kindle UK; Amazon US hardcover/kindle US] Publisher's synopsis: In 2001, scientists were finally able to determine the full human genome sequence, and with the discovery began a genomic voyage back in time.

The Guardian

Cooper, 36, is scheduled to begin a planned 22-orbit voyage tomorrow morning that would far surpass three previous orbital flights by Americans.

The New York Times

Don't Stop Believin' was a huge US hit in 1981, but 26 years later it began an unlikely voyage to ubiquity when it featured in the final scene of the Sopranos and was introduced to a new generation.

The Guardian - Music

The place to begin any voyage on the trail, however, is www.northernforestcanoetrail.org), where you can find an overview of the entire trail and plenty of suggestions for trips of varying lengths.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin a voyage" to add a touch of formality or historical flavor to your writing, especially when describing sea journeys or significant expeditions.

Common error

Avoid using "begin a voyage" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "start a trip" or "begin a journey" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin a voyage" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of a journey. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. The provided examples often describe the start of literal sea voyages or expeditions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "begin a voyage" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the commencement of a journey, often a sea voyage or a metaphorical expedition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, while its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase is most commonly found in Wiki and News & Media contexts, lending itself to a neutral register. For more informal settings, consider alternatives like "start a trip" or "embark on a journey".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embark on a journey

This alternative uses "embark" instead of "begin" and "journey" instead of "voyage", suggesting a broader range of travel, not just by sea.

set out on a voyage

Replaces "begin" with "set out", which implies a more determined start to the journey.

commence a voyage

"Commence" is a more formal synonym for "begin".

start a journey

Uses simpler words like "start" and "journey" making it less formal than the original.

inaugurate a voyage

"Inaugurate" implies a formal or ceremonial beginning.

kick off a voyage

This alternative is more informal, using the phrasal verb "kick off" to indicate the start.

initiate a voyage

"Initiate" suggests a more planned and deliberate beginning.

undertake a voyage

"Undertake" emphasizes the commitment and effort involved in the voyage.

launch a voyage

"Launch" creates a sense of excitement and a definite start.

get underway for a voyage

This alternative emphasizes the process of starting and making progress.

FAQs

What does "begin a voyage" mean?

The phrase "begin a voyage" means to start a journey, especially one involving travel by sea or through space. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the start of a significant undertaking or experience.

How to use "begin a voyage" in a sentence?

You can use "begin a voyage" to describe the start of a physical journey (e.g., "The ship was prepared to begin a voyage across the Atlantic") or a metaphorical one (e.g., "With this discovery, we begin a voyage into the unknown.").

What can I say instead of "begin a voyage"?

You can use alternatives like "embark on a journey", "set out on a voyage", or "start a journey" depending on the desired level of formality and context.

Is "begin a voyage" formal or informal?

"Begin a voyage" leans towards the more formal side. For informal contexts, consider using phrases like "start a trip" or "kick off a voyage" (though the latter is very informal).