commence with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commence with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean to begin with or start with. For example: Let us commence with a discussion on the topic of global warming.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If we have no magnets to commence with.

Princeton University

Fifth: We must immediately commence with development of our four-year financial plan...

The New York Times

Rankin's trial is scheduled to commence with jury selection on Wednesday morning.

The Guardian

"This process will commence with the triggering of article 50 of the EU treaties.

The Guardian - Business

That success could commence with victory over Sevilla at St Jakob-Park.

The Guardian - Sport

"The player's three-match suspension will therefore commence with immediate effect".

The Guardian - Sport

I tie a plastic ice pack around my face and commence with the morning's stretching exercises.

The Guardian

And at dusk bats fly low as frogs commence with their full-throated croaking.

The New York Times - Travel

They commence with a cherished vision of possibility and a spirit of commitment.

Harvard University

The class will commence with consideration of classical perspectives on voting and public opinion.

Stanford University

The event will commence with mingling, networking, and socializing over drinks and snacks.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commence with" when aiming for a formal or slightly elevated tone. In everyday conversation or informal writing, simpler alternatives like "begin with" or "start with" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "commence with" in contexts that call for a more relaxed and conversational tone. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commence with" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the initiation of an action or process. Ludwig confirms its usage through various examples in different contexts. It often introduces the starting point or the first step in a sequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

27%

Science

37%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commence with" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the beginning of an action or process, as affirmed by Ludwig. While correct and frequently used, it carries a formal tone and is often found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. For less formal situations, alternatives such as "begin with" or "start with" are more suitable. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across diverse domains, highlighting its role in initiating discussions, procedures, and events with a touch of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin with

A more common and less formal alternative, suitable for general usage.

start with

An even simpler and more widely used alternative, appropriate for informal contexts.

initiate with

Similar in formality to "commence with", but emphasizes the act of starting something new.

open with

Emphasizes the act of opening or unveiling something at the beginning.

inaugurate with

Implies a formal or ceremonial beginning.

get underway with

Suggests the beginning of a process or activity that is expected to continue.

kick off with

An informal alternative suggesting an energetic or enthusiastic start.

lead off with

Suggests beginning with a particular element in a sequence.

set in motion with

Highlights the initiation of a chain of events or a process.

embark on with

Implies beginning a journey or undertaking a significant task.

FAQs

What does "commence with" mean?

"Commence with" means to begin or start something, often used in formal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "commence with"?

Use "commence with" in formal writing, presentations, or when a more elevated tone is desired. For everyday conversations, simpler alternatives are better.

What are some alternatives to "commence with"?

You can use alternatives like "begin with", "start with", or "initiate with" depending on the context.

Is "commence with" grammatically correct?

Yes, "commence with" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig confirms its validity based on numerous examples from reliable sources.