commence construction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commence construction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the beginning of a building or infrastructure project. Example: "We are excited to announce that we will commence construction on the new community center next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"The plan is to commence construction as the wet season draws to an end".

The Guardian

Normally, this would not be looked on as the most opportune moment to commence construction of millions of square feet of new downtown office space.

The New York Times

As this definition is essentially identical to the definition of "commence construction" as that term is used in the PSD regulations, the two terms mean the same thing.

Cornell University

The University hopes to commence construction on the Science and Engineering Complex next summer, with an anticipated building opening in 2020.

Harvard University

"The vast majority of the 475,647 homes quoted by the LGA are either on sites where work has already started, or where there is not a fully 'implementable' permission and where it is not legal for builders to commence construction.

The Guardian

The Attorney General, acting under the authority conferred in section 103(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1103(b)] (as inserted by subsection (d)), shall promptly acquire such easements as may be necessary to carry out this subsection and shall commence construction of fences immediately following such acquisition (or conclusion of portions thereof).

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"There are only a dozen that are actively preselling that haven't commenced construction.

The New York Times

In 1853 the Episcopalians in Havana commenced construction of a church which was consecrated in 1871.

Cornell University

Columbia University commenced construction on the Manhattanville site in September 2008, and work has been ongoing since then.

Columbia University

In February, Tubas commenced construction on a wastewater treatment plant to provide treated water for agricultural use, but it will not be finished until September 2017.

The Guardian

Those that have commenced construction have run over time and over budget, exactly as happened in the last big nuclear boom of the 1970s.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commence construction" when you want to indicate a formal start to a building project. It's suitable for official announcements, reports, or legal documents.

Common error

Avoid using "commence construction" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "start building" or "begin construction" for everyday use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commence construction" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the initiation of a building or infrastructure project. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The phrase often appears in formal contexts to describe the beginning of building activities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commence construction" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that denotes the formal beginning of a building project. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most appropriate for formal contexts, like news reports, academic papers, and legal documents. Simpler alternatives such as "begin construction" or "start building" are better suited for casual settings. While not overly common, the phrase appears frequently enough in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times to be considered a valid and useful expression in professional and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin construction

This is a direct and commonly used synonym, offering a simpler alternative.

start building

This phrase is less formal, suitable for general contexts.

initiate building

Similar to "commence", but can apply to non-construction projects.

undertake construction

Emphasizes the act of taking on or committing to the building process.

break ground

This idiom refers to the very beginning of construction, often a groundbreaking ceremony.

kick off construction

Informal way of saying the same concept, with emphasis on the starting.

set in motion the construction

Highlights the action of starting the process, suitable for formal contexts.

get the building underway

Expresses that the project has officially started and is progressing.

embark on construction

Implies a significant undertaking, often used for large-scale projects.

launch construction activities

This phrase emphasizes a coordinated start to multiple construction-related tasks.

FAQs

What does "commence construction" mean?

The phrase "commence construction" means to begin or start the process of building something. It is a formal way to describe the start of a construction project.

When is it appropriate to use "commence construction"?

It is most appropriate to use "commence construction" in formal settings, such as official reports, legal documents, or press releases. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "begin construction" or "start building" may be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "commence construction"?

Some alternatives to "commence construction" include "begin construction", "start building", "initiate building", and "undertake construction". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is "commence construction" grammatically correct?

Yes, "commence construction" is grammatically correct. The verb "commence" simply means to begin or start, and it is correctly paired with the noun "construction".