embarking on a flight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "embarking on a flight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of beginning a journey by airplane, often in the context of travel or aviation. Example: "After a long wait at the airport, we finally began embarking on a flight to our vacation destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But is it a leap to say that not eating for hours before embarking on a flight will make a human being adjust better when he or she disembarks on the other side of the world?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Liepert mentioned all this near the end of a drive the other day from upper Manhattan to an airfield in western New Jersey, where she was to embark on a flight in a hot-air balloon.

The New Yorker

While most of the space in the International Gem Tower had been sold as commercial condominiums, Mr. Wildes said that a shift in the commercial office market, in which tenants have embarked on a "flight to quality" in search of buildings with better service, security and amenities, persuaded the owners to lease the remaining space in the tower.

The New York Times

This message is only for Muslims, millions of them, about to secretly embark on a flight.

Huffington Post

PAGE B12 SCIENCE CREW IN MOSCOW TO SIMULATE Part of a Flight to Mars A Russian-led project based at the Institute for Biomedical Problems in Moscow is embarking on a simulated flight to Mars to test the limits of human tolerance for the isolation and monotony of interplanetary travel.

The New York Times

In a small step in the direction of Mars, the international crew is embarking on a simulated flight to the planet to test the limits of human tolerance for the isolation and monotony of interplanetary travel.

The New York Times - Science

However, 12 years ago, when that match took place, the Bantams were not the lowly League Two side that the Gunners will face in Tuesday's Capital One Cup quarter-final, but a Premier League one, embarking on a second season in the top flight.

BBC

THE BILL IRWIN AND DAVID SHINER PROJECT Twenty years after Bill Irwin and David Shiner first wowed Broadway audiences with their hysterical revue "Fool Moon" (which was revived twice more on Broadway), the top-flight clowns will embark on a new flight of fancy as part of Signature Theater Company's Legacy Program.

The New York Times

When "Heavenly Palace No. 1" lifted off on Thursday, "embarking on a new journey in space flight," the Chinese press revelled in the comparison with other nations at their ascendant moments in history.

The New Yorker

Instead it had embarked on a mystifying flight of some 800 miles, crossing over Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.

The Economist

WHEN Pervez Musharraf embarked on a homeward flight from Sri Lanka, he was chief of Pakistan's army.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "embarking on a flight" to denote the beginning of air travel, particularly when emphasizing the start of a journey or adventure. It adds a slightly more formal or literary tone than simply "taking a flight".

Common error

Avoid using "embarking on a flight" when referring to activities during the flight itself. The phrase specifically describes the act of beginning the journey, not actions taken mid-flight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embarking on a flight" functions as a participial phrase acting as an adjective, often modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the action of beginning air travel. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes starting a journey by airplane.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "embarking on a flight" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the beginning of air travel. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. It functions as a participial phrase describing the action of starting an air journey. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it carries a neutral tone and is more formal than alternatives like "taking a flight". When writing, remember that it refers specifically to the start of the journey and not activities during the flight. Consider alternatives like "boarding a plane" or "taking a flight" for a more casual tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boarding a plane

Focuses on the physical act of getting onto the aircraft.

taking a flight

A more general term for travelling by airplane.

setting off on a flight

Emphasizes the departure and beginning of the journey.

starting a flight

Directly refers to the commencement of the air journey.

commencing a flight

A more formal way to describe the beginning of a flight.

beginning a flight

A simple and direct synonym for starting a flight.

instituting a flight

Focuses on the creation or establishment of a flight service or route.

inaugurating a flight

Highlights the first instance of a particular flight or route.

undertaking a flight

Implies a planned or deliberate journey by air.

going on a flight

A common, less formal way to express traveling by plane.

FAQs

What does "embarking on a flight" mean?

It means starting a journey by airplane, referring to the act of boarding and beginning the air travel experience.

What can I say instead of "embarking on a flight"?

You can use alternatives like "boarding a plane", "taking a flight", or "setting off on a flight" depending on the context.

Is "embarking on a flight" formal or informal?

It leans towards being slightly more formal, suggesting a deliberate beginning to a journey. "Taking a flight" is a more neutral alternative.

Can I use "embarking on a flight" to describe something happening during the flight?

No, "embarking on a flight" specifically refers to the beginning of the journey. For events during the flight, use phrases like "during the flight" or "while flying".