commencement date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'commencement date' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase usually refers to the start date of a contract, job, or program. For example, "The new employee's commencement date is June 1st."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

In the 79 hospitals in which the MET commencement date was known, 75% of MET services had commenced by May 2002.

Critical Care

More generally, the commencement date is Quinquagesima Sunday (the Sunday before Ash Wednesday), and the termination is Shrove Tuesday.

Britannica

The impact on the budget of the life events exemptions, raising the cap or changing its commencement date were still unclear.

The Guardian

4. Commencement date If you order by telephone, the operator should confirm to you the earliest date on which your subscription can start.

The Guardian

The collection is divided into seven subject files, arranged chronologically by the commencement date of the project.

Cornell University

User shall pay a fee of $ _____________________ to Licensor at the following address: within 30 days of commencement date, listed above.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Princeton's academic calendar shows Commencement dates several years in advance, and more detailed information is available on the Commencement information website closer to the events.

Princeton University

It included representatives from free-to-air broadcasters, manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers and was intended to provide information about commencement dates, coverage, and the functionality and availability of equipment.

Wikipedia

Every candidate, regardless of graduation date, is invited to participate in the May Commencement ceremony.

Columbia University

Of those who died within 2 years of study commencement, their date of death was recorded from the Hospital Patient Administration System.

British Journal of Cancer

Columbia's Commencement program dates back about 260 years, and the iconic Morningside campus outdoor ceremony began in 1926.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formal documents, always specify the "commencement date" clearly to avoid ambiguity. For instance, include the full date (day, month, and year) to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid vagueness by not simply stating "the project will commence soon". Instead, provide a precise "commencement date", such as "the project's commencement date is October 26, 2025" to ensure clarity and avoid potential misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commencement date" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it identifies a specific point in time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commencement date" is a noun phrase used to denote the starting date of something, such as a project, contract, or job. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. It is commonly used across diverse fields, including news, science, and academia. While often interchangeable with "start date", "commencement date" is generally more formal. When using this phrase, it is best practice to be specific and avoid vagueness by including the full date to prevent any misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start date

This term is a direct synonym, simply replacing "commencement" with "start" for a more informal tone.

effective date

This phrase specifies the date from which something becomes operative or legally binding, emphasizing enforceability.

implementation date

This term refers to the date when a plan or system is put into effect, highlighting the action of beginning.

launch date

This term is commonly used when referring to the start of a product, service or project.

inception date

A more formal synonym, indicating the date something began or was established.

beginning date

This is a straightforward alternative, focusing on the act of starting.

kick-off date

An informal term, referring to the date when a project or event is initiated.

start-up date

Used to indicate the date a business or operation begins.

activation date

This term emphasizes when something becomes active or operational.

establishment date

This term indicates when something like an organization or institution was officially created.

FAQs

What is another way to say "commencement date"?

Alternatives include "start date", "effective date", or "implementation date", depending on the context.

How is "commencement date" used in a contract?

In contracts, the "commencement date" specifies when the agreement officially begins. This is crucial for determining the duration, obligations, and deadlines associated with the contract.

Is there a difference between "commencement date" and "start date"?

While often interchangeable, "commencement date" tends to be more formal than "start date". Use "commencement date" in official documents and legal contexts.

What details should be included when specifying a "commencement date"?

Always include the full date (day, month, and year) to avoid ambiguity. In some cases, adding the time may also be necessary for precise understanding.