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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
commence operation
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'commence operation' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to signal the start of a process, plan, or assignment. For example: Once the safety briefing is finished, we will commence operation.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(7)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
10 human-written examples
QUEST on DASI will commence operation in early 2005.
Science
The Hempstead plant is expected to be one of the first to commence operation.
News & Media
When their parents reveal that Mr. Beiderman is not renewing their lease 11 days before Christmas, the children commence "Operation Beiderman," a complicated, multipronged initiative to convince the landlord to let them stay.
News & Media
Today, the Java Eurocat system has been officially accepted by major ATMS customers, and will commence operation at the end of 2010 at airports all across Europe and Asia.
Iter is expected to commence operation at the end of this decade, with the first proper fusion tests scheduled for 2028.
News & Media
Commence "Operation Inform the Little Guy".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
In December 2009, Vildanden announced it plans to operate routes to Trondheim Airport, Værnes, but lacks financial maneuverability to commence operations.
Wiki
J-WAFS will commence operations in September 2014.
An experimental ITWS, funded by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, for the New York City airports will commence operations in 1998.
Last month, Vince Cable, the business secretary, gave government backing to a new National Skills Academy for Rail Engineering (Nsare), expected to commence operations this year.
News & Media
But it took until April 18 , 2002 to commence operations at the $27 million maintenance support center, Andrew Kendzie, an I.B.M. spokesman, said by e-mail in response to questions.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider your audience. While "commence operation" is perfectly valid, in many contexts, simpler alternatives like "begin" or "start" may be more appropriate for broader understanding.
Common error
Avoid using "commence operation" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formality can sound stilted or pretentious in settings where simpler language is expected.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "commence operation" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating the initiation or beginning of a specific activity, process, or system. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
30%
Wiki
15%
Less common in
Academia
10%
Formal & Business
10%
Encyclopedias
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "commence operation" is a grammatically sound phrase primarily used to indicate the beginning of an activity or process, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most appropriate in formal contexts such as news reports, scientific publications, and professional communications. While correct, simpler alternatives like "begin operation" or "start operation" may be more suitable for everyday use. The phrase has a formal and professional tone and is often used to announce or officially mark the start of a project or system. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse fields from technology to military activities, emphasizing its versatility within formal language. The choice between using "commence operation" and its alternatives depends largely on the intended audience and the desired level of formality.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
begin operation
Replaces "commence" with the more common synonym "begin", resulting in a slightly less formal tone.
start operation
Uses "start" as a direct and simple substitute for "commence", making the phrase more accessible.
initiate operation
Employs "initiate", which, like "commence", conveys a sense of formal commencement but might imply a more complex process.
launch operation
Suggests a more active and public beginning, similar to launching a product or campaign.
activate operation
Implies that something is being switched on or made functional, often used in technical or mechanical contexts.
inaugurate operation
Conveys a formal and often ceremonial beginning, suitable for significant or official launches.
set in motion
Focuses on the act of starting a process or series of events, rather than a specific 'operation'.
get underway
An idiomatic expression indicating the start of a journey or project, less formal than "commence operation".
bring online
Specifically refers to starting up a system or service, particularly in technology or utility contexts.
kick off
An informal phrase indicating the start of something, often used in project management or sports contexts.
FAQs
How can I use "commence operation" in a sentence?
You can use "commence operation" to indicate the start of a process, project, or system. For example, "The new factory will "commence operation" next month."
What are some alternatives to "commence operation"?
Alternatives include "begin operation", "start operation", or "initiate operation", depending on the level of formality desired.
Is "commence operation" too formal for everyday use?
Yes, "commence operation" is generally considered formal. Simpler alternatives like "begin" or "start" are often more suitable for everyday conversation or informal writing.
What's the difference between "commence operation" and "begin operation"?
"Commence operation" is more formal and emphasizes a deliberate start, while "begin operation" is a more neutral and common way to express the same idea.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested