could commence

USAGE SUMMARY

"could commence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an action is able to begin or is likely to begin. Example: The construction workers could commence their work tomorrow morning.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Binskin said operations could commence "within the week".

The Guardian

That success could commence with victory over Sevilla at St Jakob-Park.

The Guardian - Sport

If the players approve the offer, a 72-game season could commence in mid-December.

The New York Times - Sports

With regards to Darfur, it is the Government advocating for the rebels' unity so that talks of peace could commence.

The New York Times

Then the people's mike requested that everyone be seated, so that a street theatre performance could commence.

The New Yorker

Once the strategic Schwerpunkt had been identified, the attack could commence, using the concept of Kesselschlacht ("cauldron battle").

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was so petrified of anyone seeing my fluoro pubes that I insisted the lights were off and I was under a duvet before pant-removal could commence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Beijing repeated its longstanding condition that Taiwan must accept that it is part of "one China" before formal talks could commence.

The New York Times

ATLANTA — As the final seconds ticked off an instant classic, Alabama linebacker C. J. Mosley froze, uncertain if the game had ended, unsure if the celebration could commence.

The New York Times - Sports

To address these wrenching thoughts in reverse order, one could commence by saying quite simply that if Edward's personality had been the human and moral pattern or example, there would be no 'Middle East' problem to begin with.

The Guardian

Blocks of flats: We would need any leaseholders to agree to taking on a Green Deal debt before we could commence a scheme ourselves for externally insulating a block.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could commence" when you want to express a possibility or potential for something to begin, without a strong commitment or certainty. It's particularly useful in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "could commence" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "might start" or "could begin" are often more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could commence" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential for an action to begin. As demonstrated in the Ludwig examples, it's often used to describe future events or actions contingent on certain conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could commence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses the possibility of an action beginning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for formal contexts like news reporting, scientific publications, and professional communication. While it's widely accepted, simpler alternatives like "might begin" or "may start" are often preferable in casual settings. The analysis reveals that this phrase is most common in news and media, science, and wiki sources. Remember to use "could commence" when you want to express potential without certainty, maintaining a level of formality in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might begin

Indicates a possibility of starting, similar to "could commence", but is generally less formal.

may start

Suggests a permission or possibility of starting, similar in tone to "could commence".

can initiate

Implies the ability to start something, focusing on capability rather than likelihood, and is slightly more formal.

is able to begin

Highlights the capacity to start, often used when emphasizing readiness or preparation.

is set to launch

Often used for events or projects, implying a planned beginning or unveiling.

is scheduled to start

Indicates that a start time has been planned.

is poised to begin

Suggests readiness and anticipation of a beginning, often used in more descriptive or narrative contexts.

has the potential to start

Focuses on the inherent possibility of something beginning, often used when assessing future prospects.

is on the verge of starting

Implies an imminent beginning, often used to create a sense of anticipation.

can be triggered

Indicates that an action can be started by a specific event.

FAQs

What does "could commence" mean?

The phrase "could commence" means that something is able to begin or has the potential to start. It indicates a possibility rather than a certainty.

When is it appropriate to use "could commence" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "could commence" in formal writing, professional reports, or any situation where you want to express a potential start in a somewhat formal manner. In more casual contexts, consider using alternatives.

What can I say instead of "could commence"?

You can use alternatives like "might begin", "may start", or "can initiate" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "could commence" more formal than "could begin"?

Yes, "could commence" is generally considered more formal than "could begin". "Commence" itself is a more formal synonym for "begin".