commence functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commence functioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate the start of operation or activity, often in technical or formal settings. Example: "The new software will commence functioning once the installation is complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Given the high-profile conditions under which she replaced her predecessor at the I.M.F., one might have thought the court would have wanted to provide legal certainty today, to allow Madam Lagarde to commence her functions with a clear mind".

The New York Times

" Following the dissolution of the Central Board of Health, some committees had stopped functioning and only started operating after the REACT program commenced".

Health Research Policy and Systems

The stimulatory effect (Yang effect) of ethylene takes place slowly and persists even after ethylene has been removed from the surroundings, whereas the inhibitory effect (Yin effect) commences abruptly and ceases to function once ethylene is removed.

Plant Science

There is a drastic morphologic change from the visceral epithelium to the proximal tubule at the exact junction where filtration function ceases and resorptive and secretory functions commence.

Genetic Diseases of the Kidney

The study of Late Pleistocene ecosystem function is now commencing, and initial results indicate that these ancient ecosystems functioned very differently than modern ones.

Encyclopedia of the Anthropocene

31 In Mtwara, ADDO accreditation commenced in 2006, and officially only accredited drug stores are allowed to function.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Implementation of core VDS functions will commence afterwards.

Columbia University

Development and progression may commence alongside worsening arterial function (i.e. increasing AI, PWV and decreasing SAC).

BMC Ophthalmology

T cell activation, a series of physiological changes leading to clonal expansion and development of effector functions, commences as T cell receptor (TCR) encounters a cognate peptide in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) presented by specialized immune cells called antigen presenting cells (APCs).

Plosone

In this case the patient was able to mobilise immediately fully-weight-bearing and commence physiotherapy to maintain ankle function.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

When studies commenced on MicA, two functions of this sRNA were considered: 1) MicA could act as a regulator of trans-encoded mRNAs, or 2) MicA could represent a cis-encoded antisense RNA, provided that either the 3' UTR of gshA, or the 5'UTR of luxS mRNA overlap the sRNA gene sequence (See Fig. 1A).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commence functioning" in formal or technical writing where a precise and slightly elevated tone is appropriate. For broader audiences, consider more common alternatives such as "begin operating" or "start working".

Common error

Avoid using "commence functioning" in informal contexts, as it can sound stilted or pretentious. Choose simpler alternatives to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commence functioning" primarily acts as a verb phrase indicating the start of an action or process. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, suggesting its acceptance in standard language use.

Expression frequency: Rare

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

In summary, the phrase "commence functioning" is grammatically correct but relatively rare in common usage. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for formal and technical contexts where a precise and slightly elevated tone is appropriate. More common alternatives include "begin operating" or "start working". While grammatically sound, its formality may make it unsuitable for informal settings. The phrase is most likely to be found in scientific, news, and business contexts, although its overall frequency remains low.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin operating

Replaces "commence" with the more common "begin", resulting in a less formal tone.

start functioning

Uses "start" instead of "commence", making it more informal and widely understood.

become operational

Shifts the focus to the state of being ready for use, rather than the act of starting.

start working

Replaces "functioning" with "working", providing a more direct and less technical alternative.

initiate operation

Replaces "functioning" with "operation" and "commence" with "initiate", maintaining a formal tone.

activate function

Focuses on the activation of a specific function rather than the overall functioning.

kick off operations

Uses a more informal and dynamic expression to indicate the beginning of operations.

bring online

Specifically refers to making something active and available, often in a technological context.

set in motion

Implies starting a series of actions or processes, rather than a single function.

get underway

Suggests that something is starting its progress or journey.

FAQs

What does "commence functioning" mean?

The phrase "commence functioning" means to begin operating or working. It is often used in formal or technical contexts to indicate the start of a process or activity.

What can I say instead of "commence functioning"?

You can use alternatives like "begin operating", "start functioning", or "become operational" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "commence functioning"?

It is appropriate to use "commence functioning" in formal settings, technical manuals, or official documentation where a precise and slightly elevated tone is desired.

Is "commence functioning" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "commence functioning" might be considered too formal for everyday conversation. Simpler alternatives like "start working" or "begin operating" are generally more suitable.