embark on a program

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'embark on a program' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to connote beginning or taking part in a particular plan/program of action, and is often used with a noun such as "journey." For example: "The adventurer was eager to embark on a grand journey around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Some organizations, however, are reluctant to embark on a program of sustainability.

Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews

In Asia, the latest to embark on a program of market reform is India.

The Washington Post

The country desperately needs foreign capital; indeed, it recently retained nearly two dozen investment banks to embark on a program of selling off minority stakes in dozens of state-run companies to help cover the ballooning deficit.

The New York Times

The pace of the epidemic here also appears to have stunned some officials, who were accused of being slow to publicize the value of getting rid of stagnant water and to embark on a program to spray neighborhoods with insecticides.

The New York Times

The city plans to use the state money to leverage another $38 million in financing and embark on a program to rehabilitate or build 330 homes in various sections of the city.

The New York Times

The killings led to an outcry and prompted the police to increase patrols and embark on a program that used undercover officers as decoys to catch robbers who prey on livery drivers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In the UAE, we have embarked on a program to transform our economy from one based on resource depletion to one based on resource enrichment.

Huffington Post

So we have embarked on a program to develop solar energy," he said in comments reported by the Guardian, Bloomberg and the Financial Times.

The Guardian

Essex County officials plan another hunt, and have embarked on a program to restore South Mountain's ravaged understory with plants and build "deer exclusion areas".

The New York Times

And when David Cameron became Britain's prime minster last year, he immediately embarked on a program of spending cuts in the belief that this would actually boost the economy — a decision that was greeted with fawning praise by many American pundits.

The New York Times

Top surgical facilities realized they can be price competitive and have extra capacity so they have embarked on a program of domestic medical tourism.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "embark on a program", ensure the program is well-defined and has clear objectives. This phrase is best used when referring to a structured, planned activity.

Common error

Avoid using "embark on a program" in very casual settings. Simpler phrases like "start a project" or "begin a task" are often more appropriate for informal communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embark on a program" functions as a verb phrase, where "embark" is the verb indicating the act of beginning something, and "on a program" specifies the nature of that beginning. The Ludwig examples illustrate this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "embark on a program" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon way to describe the initiation of a planned activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is appropriate in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains, lending a neutral to formal tone. When writing, consider that more informal options like "start a project" might be preferable for casual communication. While "embark on a program" effectively communicates the beginning of a deliberate endeavor, awareness of context and register is crucial for its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start a project

Focuses on a specific, defined undertaking.

launch an initiative

Implies a formal and organized beginning.

undertake a task

Highlights the responsibility and effort involved.

initiate a plan

Emphasizes the formal commencement of a structured arrangement.

begin a course of action

Stresses the progression and development of activities.

commence an endeavor

Suggests a more ambitious or challenging undertaking.

get started on a scheme

Informal and implies a potentially less structured approach.

kick off a process

Informal and emphasizes the beginning phase.

set about a venture

Highlights a proactive and determined approach.

take up an activity

Suggests adopting something already existing.

FAQs

What does "embark on a program" mean?

The phrase "embark on a program" means to start, commence, or get involved in a planned set of activities or a specific course of action.

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

You can use "embark on a program" to describe the beginning of a planned activity. For example: "The company decided to embark on a program of employee training."

What can I say instead of "embark on a program"?

You can use alternatives like "start a project", "launch an initiative", or "undertake a task" depending on the context.

Is "embark on a program" formal or informal?

"Embark on a program" is considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "start a plan" might be more appropriate.