embarked upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"embarked upon" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe beginning an action or activity, especially one that implies effort or difficulty. For example: "The research team embarked upon a long and challenging journey to find a cure for the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The homesteaders had embarked upon an exceedingly risky venture.

The New Yorker

"We embarked upon a peaceful and prayerful campaign," she said.

The Guardian

It's I.B.M.'s strategy, but embarked upon years later.

The New York Times

He also embarked upon a disastrous foreign policy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1831 Muḥammad ʿAlī embarked upon the invasion of Syria.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it's not to be embarked upon casually.

The Guardian

HSI's management has embarked upon a reorganization project to identify cost structures and operational inefficiencies.

Journal of Food Engineering

The coalition government appears to have embarked upon a wholesale reconstruction of Dickensian society.

The Guardian

Since the Donald embarked upon his political career his surname appears to have become a liability.

The Guardian

"I'm glad the governor changed the course he was embarked upon before last weekend.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A £10 million expansion project was embarked upon at the brewery in 1988.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "embarked upon" to convey a sense of formality and commitment when describing the beginning of a significant project or journey.

Common error

Avoid using "embarked upon" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "started" or "began".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embarked upon" functions as a verb phrase typically used to describe the initiation of an action, journey, or project. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is often used when the action implies effort or difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "embarked upon" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the beginning of an action, project, or journey. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and appropriateness for describing actions implying effort. While grammatically sound, its formality should be considered; it is best suited for neutral to formal writing and less appropriate for casual conversation. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, "embarked upon" appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, signaling significant undertakings. For less formal situations, consider alternatives like "started on" or "began".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ventured upon

Implies a more daring or risky beginning.

engaged in

Focuses on active participation and involvement.

initiated

Highlights the act of formally starting something.

started on

A more casual and less formal way to express beginning something.

begun

A simple and direct way to say something has started.

commenced

A more formal synonym for started.

undertaken

Emphasizes taking responsibility for a task.

set about

Describes starting something with a specific purpose or method.

launched into

Suggests a sudden or energetic start.

set forth on

Implies beginning a journey or expedition.

FAQs

How can I use "embarked upon" in a sentence?

You can use "embarked upon" to describe starting a journey, project, or new phase, like "The company "embarked upon" a new marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "embarked upon"?

Alternatives include "started on", "began", "commenced", or "undertook", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "embark on" instead of "embarked upon"?

"Embark on" is the base verb form, while "embarked upon" is the past tense. Use "embark on" for present or future actions and "embarked upon" for past actions.

What's the difference between "embarked upon" and "started"?

"Embarked upon" is generally more formal and suggests a greater sense of commitment or significance than the simple word "started". Consider your audience and the context when choosing between the two.