commenced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commenced" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the beginning of an action or event. Example: "The ceremony commenced at noon, marking the start of the festivities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Annington has commenced court proceedings to obtain a possession order so that it can evict the squatters and take back possession of the property.

The Guardian

My girlfriend – bless her heart – grabbed her MacBook and commenced shopping.

The Guardian - Sport

Although the league chairmen agreed to the proposal, and each club knew the situation at the start of the campaign, it didn't stop the complaints as the first end of season nail-biters commenced in May 1987.

The Guardian - Sport

The judge added: "To maintain and continue the present somatic support for the mother would deprive her of dignity and subject her father, her partner and her young children to unimaginable distress in a futile exercise which commenced only because of fears held by treating medical specialists of potential consequences".

The Guardian

With a sixth sense, they knew when a circling F16 had commenced its bombing run over the pitch-dark city.

The Guardian - Opinion

A South Tyneside council spokeswoman said: "The council intends to recover these costs in full from Mr Khan and has commenced the process of enforcing the court's cost order".

The Guardian

Students who had already commenced or deferred their course before budget day would not face uncapped fees.

The Guardian

But it adds that "at the discretion of Whitehouse, a scholarship for further study may be offered during the academic year to students who have formally commenced their studies and show exceptional ability and dedication".

The Guardian

After bowing to world opinion and opening border points to Gaza for supplies, around 80 rockets were fired at Israel by Hamas the very next day.Since the publication of your leader, the military solution has commenced.

The Economist

Meanwhile, enthusiasts independently developed an entirely new version of Unix, called Linux, which is becoming increasingly popular, thanks in part to strong support from IBM.Battle commenced in March, when SCO accused IBM of illegally copying code from Unix into Linux, and claimed $1 billion in damages.

The Economist

This morning the farmers commenced to cart again, but the rain has since mid-day again set in with every appearance of continuing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commenced" in formal contexts where a more sophisticated vocabulary is appropriate. It can add a touch of elegance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "commenced" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "began" or "started" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "commenced" is as the past tense and past participle of the verb 'commence'. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signifies the beginning or start of an action or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commenced" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb that serves as a formal alternative to "began" or "started". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most appropriate in formal writing contexts, such as news reports, encyclopedic entries, and scientific publications. While it may sound slightly old-fashioned in casual conversation, its use adds a touch of sophistication and formality to written communication. It's important to consider the audience and context when deciding whether to use "commenced" or a more common synonym. The examples available through Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various authoritative sources, highlighting its versatility and reliability in professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began

A simpler and more common synonym that also denotes the start of something.

started

Another straightforward synonym, widely used in everyday language.

initiated

Implies a more formal or planned beginning.

undertook

Suggests starting something significant or challenging.

set in motion

Emphasizes the act of causing something to start moving or progressing.

got underway

Indicates that something has started and is progressing.

entered upon

A more formal way of saying that someone began a particular activity or phase.

launched

Implies a start with considerable force or publicity.

kicked off

An informal phrase meaning to start something, often used in sports or events.

inaugurated

Suggests a formal beginning or introduction, often for institutions or projects.

FAQs

What's the difference between "commenced" and "began"?

"Commenced" is generally considered more formal than "began". While both indicate the start of something, "commenced" is often used in more formal or official contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "commenced" instead of "started"?

Use "commenced" when you want to convey a sense of formality or importance. In everyday conversation or informal writing, "started" is usually more suitable.

What are some synonyms for "commenced" that I can use in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use synonyms like "initiated", "undertook", or "inaugurated" as alternatives to "commenced", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "commenced" outdated or old-fashioned?

While "commenced" is not as commonly used as "began" or "started", it is not necessarily outdated. It remains a perfectly acceptable and appropriate word in formal and professional writing.