commence at once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commence at once" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action should start immediately without delay. Example: "The project is urgent, so we must commence at once to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The media cheerleading commenced at once: "Karen, you're making a decision you will never regret.

The Guardian - Books

To this end, intensive and determined negotiations must be commenced at once.

The New York Times

I commenced at once to re-adjust this and had just stopped the bleeding when he came round and gazed in bewilderment at my British uniform.

Independent

Gunsmiths were employed or conscripted, tools purchased or impressed, and the repair of the damaged guns I brought with me and about an equal number found at Little Rock commenced at once.

Wikipedia

In 1848 he arrived in San Francisco and at once commenced purchasing real estate, acquiring holdings not only in Santa Clara Valley but also at Lake Tahoe, on Santa Catalina Island, and in Nevada.

Britannica

If he is ordered to close his eyes while in the erect posture, he at once commences to totter and swing from side to side; the insecurity of his gait also exhibits itself more in the dark".

The New York Times

A few seconds after his first effort (it was the male) he was joined by his mate, and she at once commenced to respond with a peculiar, low, buzzing or grunting note, like 'gaw-gaw-gaw,' undoubtedly a note of approval or endearment.

The New Yorker

We're surrounded by a sea of darkness!," thus signalling the end of that strange, ritualistic intermission; and then, with much relief, we turned or took our gazes away from the dark window and, talking animatedly all at once, commenced to drink the night away.

The New Yorker

The participant's blood pressure was taken by the research assistant five times at recruitment, commencing with once on either arm in the sitting position.

BMC Family Practice

In 1877 Newcomb was put in charge of the American Nautical Almanac Office, then in Washington, where almost at once he commenced the great work that he had had in his mind for some years and that was to occupy the greater part of the rest of his life: the calculation of the motions of the bodies in the solar system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the purpose of the test-retest analysis, the non-clinical group completed the BFNE twice; once at the study commence and once 3 weeks later.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commence at once" to convey a sense of urgency and formality. This phrase is particularly effective in professional or official communications where immediate action is required.

Common error

Avoid using "commence at once" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase's formality can sound stilted or overly assertive in everyday settings; instead, opt for alternatives like "start now" or "begin immediately".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commence at once" functions as an imperative, urging immediate initiation of an action or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. This structure emphasizes the immediacy and necessity of starting without delay.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

12.5%

Less common in

Science

12.5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "commence at once" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that conveys the need for immediate action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's typically suited for formal contexts, such as professional correspondence or official announcements, where a sense of urgency and authority is required. While its use is relatively rare, as evidenced by the limited number of examples, it remains a valid option when immediate action needs to be stressed. For less formal settings, alternatives such as "begin immediately" or "start now" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Begin immediately

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary to convey the same meaning of starting without delay.

Start forthwith

This option employs a more formal, somewhat archaic term for "immediately", adding a sense of urgency.

Initiate instantly

This phrase emphasizes the instantaneous nature of the action's commencement.

Proceed without delay

This emphasizes the lack of any waiting period before starting.

Act right away

This alternative uses more common and informal language, making it suitable for less formal contexts.

Take action immediately

This suggests prompt and decisive action.

Set about it directly

This option implies a focused and immediate approach to a task or problem.

Get underway immediately

This suggests starting a process or activity without hesitation.

Embark on it instantly

This alternative suggests a quick and decisive beginning, often used for projects or ventures.

Launch at once

This implies a forceful and immediate start, similar to launching a rocket.

FAQs

What does "commence at once" mean?

"Commence at once" means to begin or start something immediately, without any delay. It's a formal way of saying to start something right away.

When is it appropriate to use "commence at once"?

It is appropriate to use "commence at once" in formal settings, such as business correspondence, legal documents, or official announcements where a sense of urgency and authority needs to be conveyed. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "begin immediately" or "start right away" are more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "commence at once"?

Alternatives to "commence at once" include "begin immediately", "start now", "start forthwith", or "initiate instantly". The choice depends on the level of formality required.

Is "commence at once" too formal for everyday conversations?

Yes, "commence at once" is generally too formal for everyday conversations. Simpler and more direct phrases like "start immediately" or "begin now" are preferable in informal contexts.