commence proceedings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commence proceedings" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to indicate the initiation of a legal action or process. Example: "The plaintiff decided to commence proceedings against the defendant for breach of contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

If it does not do so immediately, I have instructed my attorney to commence proceedings.

The New Yorker

She has instructed lawyers Schillings to commence proceedings in Paris against French Playboy and photographer Greg Lotus.

Independent

One way this is done is through Money Claim Online, which allows claimants to commence proceedings over the internet.

The Guardian

As Inkerman Road Nominees Pty Ltd is in liquidation, owing almost $140,000, including an $83,500 tax bill, Consumer Affairs Victoria's director, Simon Cohen, has applied to the federal court for leave to commence proceedings against the company.

The Guardian

I could climb on to that stage and announce any Puffin of Puffin debate that does not include Tom's Midnight Garden is a travesty of justice and refuse to commence proceedings until the situation is remedied.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In June 1788, after the Constitution had been ratified by nine states (as required by Article VII, Congresssetet March 4 , 1789 as the date for the new government to commence proceedings (the first elections under the Constitution were held late in 1788).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (Asic) on Friday said it had commenced proceedings in the federal court in Melbourne against ANZ for "unconscionable conduct and market manipulation" in relation to the setting of the bank bill swap reference rate between March 2010 and May 2012.

The Guardian

Several months after Echvarria's conviction, the Bar Counsel commenced proceedings against Robson, who was suspended from the Bar in 1997 for three years.

Huffington Post

A source familiar with the investigations said the Guardian reports were reviewed before the decision to commence with proceedings was made.

The Guardian

If after a further seven days you have failed to repay this amount the council will commence legal proceedings for the full amount plus costs.

The Guardian

But last December I received a letter saying we had 18 days to pay the balance on the account or HSBC would commence legal proceedings.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commence proceedings" in formal or legal contexts to convey the initiation of a legal action. Consider your audience and the level of formality required when choosing this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "commence proceedings" in informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "start a case" or "take legal action" may be more appropriate in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commence proceedings" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a formal or legal process. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and usable in written English, typically within legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commence proceedings" is a formal expression used to indicate the start of a legal process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and most appropriate for legal and formal contexts. Alternative phrases include "initiate legal action" and "start legal proceedings". While readily understood, it should be avoided in informal conversations. Ludwig's analysis of usage patterns highlights its prevalence in news media and legal documentation, reflecting its formal nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate legal action

Focuses on the legal aspect of starting a case.

begin litigation

Specifically refers to starting a lawsuit.

start legal proceedings

A more general term for beginning a legal case.

launch a case

Emphasizes the active initiation of a legal matter.

set in motion legal steps

Highlights the sequential nature of legal actions.

file a lawsuit

Focuses on the act of submitting a formal legal complaint.

bring an action

A more formal and traditional way of saying 'start a lawsuit'.

institute a suit

A highly formal term for starting a legal case.

take legal steps

A broader term for engaging in any form of legal action.

open a case

A simple and direct way to describe starting a legal case.

FAQs

What does "commence proceedings" mean?

The phrase "commence proceedings" means to begin or initiate a legal action or process. It's often used in formal or legal contexts.

What can I say instead of "commence proceedings"?

You can use alternatives like "initiate legal action", "start legal proceedings", or "begin litigation" depending on the context.

Is "commence proceedings" formal language?

Yes, "commence proceedings" is considered formal language and is best suited for legal documents, official correspondence, or situations requiring a high degree of formality.

How to use "commence proceedings" in a sentence?

Example: "If the payment is not received within 30 days, we will "commence proceedings" to recover the debt."