commence work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commence work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the start of a job or task. For example, "The team should commence work on the new project as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

He died while about to commence work on the cupola of the Hôtel des Invalides.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Students should not commence work until they have received information on how they will be paid.

Princeton University

"For those not familiar with this term it means we are ready to commence work but circumstances do not allow it to happen – in this instance, the weather.

The Guardian

Six years ago, TransCanada was so confident of success that it had mowed the right of way for its pipeline, ready to commence work.

The New Yorker

"We believe it is important that these measures remain in place to help those at risk of repossession, and that there is a real need to commence work on implementing a long-term support programme".

The Guardian - Money

"As part of the broader strategic review taking place, the board has therefore now asked management to commence work to look at where the best place is for HSBC to be headquartered in this new environment.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Once you commence working on something and then walk away, you continue to work on whatever it is.

Huffington Post

There's a remarkable contingent of inmates who upon incarceration immediately commence working out, aka gettin' money.

Vice

Graduates commence working as junior doctors in January.

BMC Medical Education

Clarity of exposition is important and each book should be accessible to those commencing work in its field.

Princeton University

But by fall I had gotten myself sufficiently together to re-enroll, and I soon commenced work on a documentary project that led me back to Margaret.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commence work" in formal or professional contexts where a more elevated tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "commence work" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "start work" or "begin working" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commence work" functions as a verb phrase indicating the beginning of an activity or task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It typically acts as the predicate of a sentence or clause, describing what someone is starting to do.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

29%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commence work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It signifies the start of a task, often carrying a formal or professional tone. While commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, it's less frequent in informal settings. Alternatives like "start work" or "begin working" offer simpler options for casual use. When writing professionally, consider the impact that precise wording brings to the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin working

This alternative is more direct and less formal.

start work

This option is the most common and neutral alternative.

initiate work

This phrase has a similar formality level but emphasizes the act of starting.

undertake work

This option suggests a more significant or involved effort.

embark on work

This phrase implies beginning a journey or new phase of work.

get to work

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes immediate action.

set to work

This option suggests a determined or focused start.

start the ball rolling

This phrase is more idiomatic and refers to initiating a process.

kick off work

This is an informal idiom that signifies the start of a project.

get cracking

This is a very informal idiom meaning to start working quickly and efficiently.

FAQs

What does "commence work" mean?

"Commence work" means to begin or start working on a task or project. It's a formal way to describe the start of an activity.

When is it appropriate to use "commence work"?

It is appropriate to use "commence work" in formal settings, professional correspondence, and technical documentation where a sophisticated tone is desired.

What are some alternatives to "commence work"?

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

Is "commence work" more formal than "start work"?

Yes, "commence work" is generally considered more formal than "start work". The word "commence" itself carries a more sophisticated tone.