embark on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'embark on' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to starting something new or difficult. For example: "John decided to embark on a new career path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The number of patrols they would embark on was reduced.

Wikipedia

How do you embark on one of these journeys?

The New Yorker

They embark on a choreographed lurching dance.

The New Yorker

How about "embark on the Sisyphean task"?

The New York Times

Time to embark on the cure.

The New York Times - Health

We need to embark on massive training".

The Guardian

JLS embark on their farewell tour.

The Guardian - Music

"Why did the RAE embark on it?

The Guardian - Books

The couple embark on a passionate affair.

The Guardian - Books

Embark on the story of a Bazoom!

The Guardian

But we can't just embark on a folly".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "embark on" to convey a sense of starting a journey or undertaking, especially when the task is challenging or significant. It adds a touch of formality and weight to the beginning of an endeavor.

Common error

Avoid using "embark on" for trivial or routine tasks. It's best suited for projects or activities that involve planning, effort, and a sense of adventure or commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embark on" functions as a verb phrase, typically followed by a noun phrase, indicating the commencement of an action, journey, or project. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in English. For instance, "embark on a journey" or "embark on a new career".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "embark on" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the beginning of a journey or undertaking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s readily usable in English. While "embark on" is most frequently encountered in News & Media, it also appears in Science, Wiki and other domains. Its slightly formal tone makes it suitable for describing significant endeavors, while alternatives like "start" or "begin" might be more appropriate for less formal situations. Remember to reserve "embark on" for activities that require effort and commitment, and you'll be well-equipped to use it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start

A more general term for beginning, suitable for most contexts.

begin

Similar to "start" but can imply a longer duration or more significant undertaking.

commence

Emphasizes a formal beginning; often used in official or academic contexts.

undertake

Implies a willingness to take on responsibility for a task or project.

set out on

Implies a specific goal or destination.

launch into

Suggests an energetic or enthusiastic beginning.

initiate

Highlights the act of setting something in motion.

set about

Emphasizes the method or approach taken from the beginning.

kick off

An informal term for starting, often used in business or sports contexts.

enter upon

A more formal and somewhat archaic alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "embark on" in a sentence?

You can use "embark on" to describe the beginning of a journey, project, or significant undertaking. For example, "They decided to "embark on" a new business venture."

What are some alternatives to "embark on"?

Alternatives include "begin", "start", "commence", or "undertake". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "embark on" in informal contexts?

While "embark on" isn't overly formal, it carries a slightly more serious tone. For very informal situations, consider using "start" or "begin" instead.

What's the difference between "embark on" and "start"?

"Start" is a general term for beginning something. "Embark on", in contrast, suggests a more deliberate and significant undertaking, often implying a journey or challenge. You might "start" a meeting, but you'd ""embark on"" a research project.