embark on something

USAGE SUMMARY

"embark on something" is correct and can be used in written English.
This expression is usually used to introduce a new activity or course of action. For example, "The company has decided to embark on a new project to develop a new type of product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

No one likes to embark on something that inevitably leads to disaster, but one should always investigate how likely such a slide truly is.

Huffington Post

Will they, like him, dare to embark on something new?

The Economist

"I'm 60," said Iain. "It's an interesting time of life to embark on something new.

Independent

In May, 2009, Dorsey tweeted, "Getting ready to embark on something new and entirely different.

The New Yorker

I didn't know that I was about to embark on something that would change my life forever.

The New Yorker

Maybe a willingness to embark on something that others see as madness, for reasons that aren't entirely clear even to you, is one of the hallmarks of a good memoir.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

As artists grow old, they often make lifeless pastiches of their early work, but Ms Kusama has embarked on something fresh and audacious.

The Economist

But we're embarking on something no one has ever done before — to get these games to inter-operate between platforms.

The New York Times

In these final days, Mr. Huckabee has had little one-on-one contact with voters, despite his campaign's populist demeanor, embarking on something of a media campaign instead.

The New York Times

But on the Lebanese front Israel has embarked on something much bigger than in Gaza.

The Economist

But I'm interested in embarking on something I don't know about..."...

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "embark on something" when you want to emphasize the beginning of a significant or new endeavor. This phrase adds a sense of purpose and intention to the action.

Common error

While "embark on something" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "start" or "begin" may be more appropriate in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embark on something" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a new activity, project, or journey. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that it introduces a new course of action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "embark on something" is a grammatically correct and acceptable way to describe the beginning of a new activity or project. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for introducing a new course of action. While the phrase is more common in news and media contexts, simpler alternatives like "start" or "begin" might be more appropriate for informal settings. Remember to use "embark on something" when you want to highlight the intention and purpose behind the start of a significant undertaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin something

This alternative focuses on the act of starting but is more general.

start something

Similar to "begin something", this option is straightforward and widely applicable.

undertake something

This implies a more formal and possibly challenging endeavor.

launch into something

Suggests a more energetic and immediate start.

initiate something

This alternative is often used in formal or technical contexts.

commence something

A formal synonym for "begin", often used in official settings.

set about something

Implies a deliberate and planned beginning.

dive into something

Suggests a quick and enthusiastic start, potentially without much planning.

get going on something

An informal way of saying to start something.

kick off something

Similar to 'launch into something' but more casual.

FAQs

How to use "embark on something" in a sentence?

You can use "embark on something" to describe the start of a new project, journey, or endeavor. For example, "The company decided to "embark on something new" to expand its market share".

What can I say instead of "embark on something"?

You can use alternatives like "begin something", "start something", or "undertake something" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Which is correct, "embark on something" or "embark in something"?

"Embark on something" is the correct form. "Embark" is typically followed by the preposition "on" to indicate the commencement of an activity or journey.

What's the nuance between "embark on something" and "start something"?

"Embark on something" often implies a more significant or formal undertaking than just "start something". It suggests a deliberate and purposeful beginning of a new endeavor.