commences

USAGE SUMMARY

"commences" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means to begin or start something, and is often used as a formal way of saying that a process or event has started. For example, "The conference commences tomorrow at 9 a.m."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Debating the move in the House of Commons in 2003, Kennedy set out his position: There stands no contradiction between giving voice to legitimate anxiety and at the same time, as and when exchange of fire commences, looking to the rest of the country, as well as all of us in the house, to give full moral support to our forces.

The Guardian

In light of this new evidence, it is crucial that a full investigation of blacklisting commences".

The Guardian - Business

A short sprint to the cake table serves me as a final warm-up and then the match commences.

The Economist

When the relative humidity of the trapped air reaches 100%, condensation commences and a sheet of stratus begins to form below the inversion layer.

The Economist

This was lower than expected, though with investors clamouring for a slice of the initial public offering, the share price is expected to climb once trading commences.

The Economist

Perhaps cricket's great attraction for them is that it is one of the few occasions when otherwise respectable gentlemen, well past their teenage years, feel it reasonable, desirable, mandatory even, to begin drinking shortly after play commences at 11am.

The Economist

In towns and cities across the country, whenever someone moots the idea of raising a statue, naming a street or square in his honour, a battle commences between his still fervent supporters and his equally energetic critics.

The Economist

The Sundance film festival, hosted in Park City, Utah, commences at the end of January; the 86th Academy Awards beckon in early March.

The Economist

The Catholic priest replies that life begins at conception; the Calvinist parson says it starts at birth; the Jewish rabbi maintains that life commences when the children grow up and the dog dies.

The Economist

A lot of Ms Rousseff's energy in her second term, which commences on January 1st, will go to preventing an almighty explosion.

The Economist

Bidding then commences.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commences" in formal writing or when a more sophisticated tone is desired. For example, "The ceremony commences promptly at 10 a.m."

Common error

Avoid using "commences" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "begins" or "starts" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "commences" is that of a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense of the verb "commence." It indicates that an action or event begins. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

39%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commences" is a grammatically correct and widely used verb that signifies the beginning of an event or process. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's most appropriate in formal contexts like news reports, encyclopedic entries, and scientific publications. While synonyms like "begins" and "starts" exist, "commences" adds a layer of sophistication and formality to writing. To leverage its impact, reserve "commences" for situations where a more elevated and official tone is desired, and avoid overusing it in casual or informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begins

This is a more common and less formal synonym.

starts

This is another common synonym, often used in everyday language.

initiates

This suggests a more formal or official start.

gets underway

This is an idiomatic expression for starting.

is launched

This implies a formal or planned beginning, like a project or campaign.

kicks off

This is a more informal, often sport-related term for starting.

opens

This suggests the beginning of a performance or event that is made available to an audience.

is inaugurated

This is a formal way to describe the beginning of a term or project.

comes into effect

This phrase refers to the start of a law, rule, or agreement.

springs up

This indicates a sudden or unexpected beginning.

FAQs

How to use "commences" in a sentence?

"Commences" is a formal verb meaning to begin. For instance, you could say, "The meeting "commences" at 9:00 AM" or "Filming for season two "commences" this Spring".

What can I say instead of "commences"?

You can use alternatives like "begins", "starts", or "initiates" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "commences" or "begins"?

Both "commences" and "begins" are correct, but "commences" is more formal. Use "begins" in informal contexts and ""commences"" in formal settings.

What's the difference between "commences" and "starts"?

"Commences" and "starts" both mean to begin, but "commences" is generally considered more formal and is often used in official or ceremonial contexts, while "starts" is more commonly used in everyday language.