commenced to experience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commenced to experience" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate the beginning of an experience or feeling, although "commenced experiencing" is more standard. Example: "After months of preparation, she commenced to experience the thrill of performing on stage."

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The wolves commenced to sing.

The Guardian

Then he commenced to pace.

The New York Times

In this the buffaloes commenced to feed.

Cornell University

I commenced to perambulate away, but I felt so awful.

The New Yorker

The search has commenced to find this year's culinary connoisseurs.

The Guardian

She now commenced to practise her husband's precepts.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Work has commenced to engage with ship builders.

The Guardian

I commenced to walk backward...

Huffington Post

An 85-year-old man, with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis, developed ESRD and was commenced on haemodialysis, but continued to experience New York Heart Association Class IV symptoms.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Our experience indicates that insertion of CVAPD by interventional radiologists has resulted in less time delays for patients commencing treatment than we used to experience with surgical insertion.

British Journal of Cancer

Net Web Forms, learners are able to commence the training session, starting with a 'walkthrough' to experience and appreciate the complexity of the project.

Visualization in Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for more common alternatives such as "began to experience" or "started experiencing" for improved clarity and a more contemporary style. This will make your writing sound more natural and less formal.

Common error

Avoid using "commenced to experience" in casual or informal contexts as it can sound stilted or archaic. Choose simpler alternatives that are more appropriate for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commenced to experience" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an experience. Although understandable, it is less common in contemporary English, as Ludwig highlights. Its grammatical role involves linking a subject with the beginning of a particular sensation or event.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically correct, the phrase "commenced to experience" is considered somewhat formal and less common in modern English. Ludwig suggests that alternatives like "began to experience" or "started experiencing" are often preferred for clarity and a more contemporary style. The phrase functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an experience but carries a degree of formality best suited for written contexts. Its relative infrequency means that opting for more common alternatives will likely result in clearer and more natural-sounding writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began experiencing

Replaces "commenced to" with the more common "began", creating a smoother, more contemporary feel.

started to experience

Substitutes "commenced" with "started", offering a simpler and more direct alternative.

initiated experiencing

Replaces "commenced" with "initiated", adding a slightly more formal tone.

undertook experiencing

Uses "undertook" in place of "commenced", suggesting a deliberate and purposeful beginning of the experience.

set about experiencing

Replaces "commenced" with "set about", implying a proactive start to the experience.

embarked on experiencing

Replaces "commenced" with "embarked on", adding a sense of adventure or journey to the beginning of the experience.

witnessed the onset of

Shifts the focus to observing the beginning of something, rather than actively starting to experience it.

felt the beginning of

Focuses on the sensory or emotional aspect of starting to experience something.

became aware of experiencing

Highlights the gaining of consciousness or realization as the experience begins.

entered into the experience of

Implies a deeper involvement or immersion in the initial stages of the experience.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "commenced to experience"?

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

Is "commenced to experience" grammatically correct?

Yes, "commenced to experience" is grammatically acceptable, but it's considered less common and somewhat formal. Modern English often favors simpler alternatives.

When is it appropriate to use "commenced to experience"?

While grammatically sound, it's best to reserve "commenced to experience" for formal writing where a slightly elevated tone is desired. However, be mindful that simpler alternatives are often preferred for clarity.

How can I make my writing sound more natural than using "commenced to experience"?

Opt for more common phrases like "began to experience" or "started experiencing". These alternatives are more widely used and less likely to sound awkward.