commenced speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commenced speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of a speech or conversation, often in a formal context. Example: "After a brief introduction, the speaker commenced speaking about the importance of environmental conservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our match commenced at midnight.

The New Yorker

The tweeting commenced.

The New York Times - Sports

The way that he pats his son on the head and then commences to speak to his wife in a way that shows that their marriage is disintegrating and then tells his son that he will lead the war against Spartacus..

Huffington Post

So I was looking forward to their sound, as lead singer Aviva Chernick commenced their set by speaking to the audience to explain their blend of Jewish, jazz, Indian, Arabic and reggae music.

Huffington Post

Nearly one third (32.5%) of commencing medical students spoke a language other than English at home (Table  3).

BMC Medical Education

In each one, the meeting commenced when someone, only occasionally the meeting owner, began to speak.

Huffington Post

A gaunt old man named Saraj ul-Islam spoke up and told me how his journey commenced.

HuffPost

The radio day commenced at 6 A.M. First, the Soviet anthem, then "Govorit Moskva... ..... ("Moscow speaking").

The New Yorker

Pennington nodded slowly and as the two spoke, another download from Buckley's expansive mental playbook commenced.

The New York Times - Sports

It's the kind of speaking that college taught me to appreciate, and that was the occasion: commencing me from college.

Huffington Post

Years ago, Mr. Kelly commenced a lecture series, featuring authors, world leaders and others, including former Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger, speaking about the world's myriad threats.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commenced speaking" in formal settings or when aiming for a sophisticated tone. It adds a touch of gravitas to the introduction of a speech or formal address.

Common error

Avoid using "commenced speaking" in casual conversation. It can sound stilted or unnatural in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "began speaking" or "started speaking" in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commenced speaking" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of speech or verbal communication. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a grammatically correct phrase suitable for formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

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Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "commenced speaking" is grammatically correct, but relatively rare. As Ludwig AI points out, it is most appropriate for formal settings requiring a sophisticated tone. While alternatives such as "began speaking" or "started speaking" are more common and versatile, "commenced speaking" serves a distinct purpose in adding a layer of formality to the initiation of speech. It is advisable to reserve its use for contexts where its elevated register is well-suited, avoiding overuse in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Began speaking

A more common and less formal way to say "commenced speaking".

Started speaking

A very common and neutral alternative.

Initiated speech

A more formal and less common way to describe the start of speaking.

Opened remarks

Suitable when someone is formally addressing an audience.

Addressed the audience

Focuses on speaking to a group.

Delivered a speech

Suggests a prepared and formal talk.

Launched into a speech

Implies an energetic or sudden start to speaking.

Broke into speech

Suggests an interruption or sudden start of talking.

Embark on speech

A more formal way to describe the start of speaking.

Proceeded to speak

Indicates a continuation of an action by starting to speak.

FAQs

How to use "commenced speaking" in a sentence?

The phrase "commenced speaking" is generally used to formally introduce the start of a speech or address. For example: "After a brief introduction, the speaker commenced speaking about the company's future".

What can I say instead of "commenced speaking"?

You can use alternatives like "began speaking", "started speaking", or "initiated speech" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "commenced speaking"?

Use "commenced speaking" in formal situations such as business presentations, academic lectures, or ceremonial events where a higher level of formality is desired. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives are preferable.

What is the difference between "commenced speaking" and "started speaking"?

"Commenced speaking" is more formal and less common than "started speaking". While both indicate the beginning of a speech, "commenced speaking" adds a level of sophistication suitable for formal settings, whereas "started speaking" is neutral and applicable in most situations.