commenced work on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commenced work on" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to the act of starting or beginning something, and is often used to describe when a project or task has been initiated. For example: "We recently commenced work on a new software development project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

In 1987 she married the Darwin scholar Peter Lucas ("my last marriage", she says emphatically) and commenced work on Bitter Fame, believing that "a quiet, new grandmotherly chapter of my life was about to begin".

The Guardian - Books

As Kishimoto completed his bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and commenced work on a master's, this realization — alongside a growing interest in sustainability and climate change — began to take center stage.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The County Council in Berkshire, supported by local councils, estimated that £1,275,000 was needed for works at the eastern end of the canal and commenced work on replacing some of the bridges.

Wikipedia

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

In 1977 he commenced work on the Quinta da Malagueira development in Évora, consisting of 1,200 single-family row houses constructed in phases over more than 20 years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Winston and Peter Middelfart (from Denmark) have commenced work on a project to produce a checklist of the gastropods and bivalves of Australia, building on Brian Smith's non-marine catalogue.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Shortly after As We May Think was originally published, Douglas Engelbart read it, and with Bush's visions in mind, commenced work that would later lead to the invention of the mouse.

Wikipedia

With his health improving, Jackson then began work on a new album called HIStory, and commenced recording in 1994.

Wikipedia

"Work only on yourself: work on acceptance.

Independent

Maud gets a job as a clinical researcher – working on trials of new opioid painkillers – while Tim is comfortably cushioned by a "cash mattress that ensures he can spend his days with his guitars, his yoga, his experimental cookery, his walks across the city, his not-yet-fully commenced life of serious composition".

Independent

It should be noted that first study day was not randomised and 33 subjects commenced recordings on a Wednesday, 16 on a Friday and 16 on a Sunday.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commenced work on" to denote a formal or official start to a project, task, or activity.

Common error

Avoid using "commenced work on" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "started working on" or "began work on" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commenced work on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a task or project. According to Ludwig, it's considered grammatically correct and appropriate for formal usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commenced work on" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, typically employed to formally denote the beginning of a task or project. While Ludwig identifies it as correct, the usage contexts lean toward more formal settings such as news reports, academic papers, and official documentation. Simpler alternatives like "started working on" or "began work on" might be preferable in informal contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is crucial to align the formality of language with the intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Started working on

This alternative uses a more common and simpler verb tense.

Began work on

This alternative uses a more direct and commonly used verb.

Initiated work on

This alternative suggests a more formal and deliberate start.

Started on

This alternative is a shorter and more concise way to express the beginning of work.

Undertook work on

This alternative emphasizes the commitment to the task.

Embarked on

This alternative implies a more significant or adventurous start.

Set about working on

This alternative suggests a deliberate and focused beginning.

Got underway with

This alternative conveys the sense of a project beginning to move forward.

Launched into

This alternative suggests a more energetic and rapid start.

Pitched into

This alternative suggests getting actively and enthusiastically involved in a task.

FAQs

How can I use "commenced work on" in a sentence?

You can use "commenced work on" to indicate the beginning of a project or task, for example, "The team "commenced work on" the new design last week".

What's a less formal way to say "commenced work on"?

Alternatives to "commenced work on" include "started working on", "began work on", or simply "started on".

When is it appropriate to use "commenced work on"?

"Commenced work on" is suitable for formal or official contexts, such as project reports or official announcements. In casual conversation, "started working on" is usually a better fit.

What is the difference between "commenced work on" and "initiated work on"?

While both indicate the start of a task, "initiated work on" implies a more deliberate and planned beginning, whereas "commenced work on" simply refers to the start. Both phrases are relatively formal.