commence studies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commence studies" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is most commonly used to refer to the beginning of a period of study. For example: "John will commence his studies at the University of London in August."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Several had taken the initiative to commence studies and had concrete plans for completion, and they did not mention having to interrupt the progress of their studies due to illness as a problem.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

An NUS spokesperson says: "If you are an EU student wishing to study in the UK and are able to commence study in that period, it may be worth considering doing so.

The Guardian

He reached the college's academic target after attaining a 2 1 degree from the Open University, but was also asked to prove to the college's satisfaction that he had "resources totalling £21,082" before he could commence study.

The Guardian

He was accepted at Christ Church, Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar in 1914 (although he did not commence study at Oxford until 1919 due to his war service).

Wikipedia

A soon to commence study will include a collaboration with the US National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health to evaluate smoking as a risk factor in diseases.

Health Research Policy and Systems

However, the population aged less than 30 years (when the majority of nursing students commence study) is only projected to grow by 8%.

BMC Health Services Research

We have commenced studies for a coronagraph for SPICA, in which this coronagraph is currently regarded as an option of the focal plane instruments.

Advances in Space Research

He was stationed at Camp Travis, Texas until June 1920, when he commenced studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, from which he graduated in August 1921, with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering.

Wikipedia

More than half the students owned a laptop prior to commencing studies, would recommend the laptop and took the laptop to GMS daily.

BMC Medical Education

McCay entered Ormond College at the University of Melbourne in 1881, the year that the college first opened, and commenced studying for his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.

Wikipedia

The 104 patients who commenced study treatment were included in the toxicity analyses.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commence studies" when emphasizing the formal or official start of an educational program, especially in academic or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "commence studies" in casual conversations or informal writing; simpler alternatives like "start studying" or "begin classes" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commence studies" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the initiation of an academic or learning endeavor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it marks the formal beginning of a period of study. Examples show its use in various contexts, primarily educational and research settings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commence studies" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote the start of an educational journey. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is most commonly used to refer to the beginning of a period of study. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives like "start studying", it maintains a formal tone suitable for academic and professional contexts. It's primarily found in scientific publications and news reports related to education. When writing, consider your audience; "commence studies" adds formality, but simpler phrases may be better in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin academic pursuits

Replaces "studies" with a more formal term, slightly elevating the register.

start one's education

Uses a more common word, "start", making it less formal than "commence".

embark on a course of study

Implies a more dedicated and potentially lengthy period of learning.

initiate learning process

Focuses on the "process" of learning instead of the general concept of "studies".

undertake academic work

Emphasizes the "work" or effort involved in studying.

enroll in a program of study

Highlights the act of formally joining an educational program.

take up scholarly activities

Emphasizes engaging in scholarly activities, which might include research.

pursue educational goals

Shifts the focus to the desired outcome or objectives of studying.

start higher education

Specifically refers to beginning education at a higher level (e.g., university).

enter higher learning

A slightly more figurative way of saying one begins university or college education.

FAQs

What does "commence studies" mean?

The phrase "commence studies" means to begin or start a period of learning or education, often referring to a formal academic program.

When is it appropriate to use "commence studies"?

It is appropriate to use "commence studies" in formal settings, such as academic writing, official announcements, or professional correspondence related to education. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "start studying" are often preferred.

What are some alternatives to "commence studies"?

Alternatives to "commence studies" include "begin studies", "start studying", or "begin learning" depending on the context. The choice of phrase depends on the level of formality required.

How to use "commence studies" in a sentence?

You can use "commence studies" in a sentence like: "John will commence his studies at the University of London next month", or "The research project will commence studies on the effects of climate change."