he commences work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he commences work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in formal contexts to indicate the beginning of someone's work or duties. Example: "After a brief orientation, he commences work at the new office on Monday."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Connecting the songs with Dylan's experiencing a dearth of material as he commences work on his seventh studio album, Heylin speculates that "it is awfully tempting to see Johanna as his muse" who, in the song, is "not here".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 1977 he commenced work on the Quinta da Malagueira development in Évora, consisting of 1,200 single-family row houses constructed in phases over more than 20 years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He commenced work in 1947, but the project proceeded slowly.

Wikipedia

Working with J. Curry Street, he commenced work on a cyclotron.

Wikipedia

Just before the French Revolution in 1788, at the age of 20, he commenced work with André Thouin at the Jardin du Roi in Paris as a junior gardener, rising through the ranks to become Director of Horticulture at the city's new school of horticulture (Ecole Nationale d'Horticulture).

Wikipedia

Although he did not pursue the idea further at the time, he eventually commenced work on a novel using both the title and basic premise in 1914.

Wikipedia

The home got its bookish upgrade from designer Andrea Mosca, who received one major request before commencing work: He had to incorporate a massive bookshelf.

Huffington Post

He died while about to commence work on the cupola of the Hôtel des Invalides.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On May 20 , 1943 Coggins commenced work at the head office of YANK in New York, where he worked until his departure for Britain.

Wikipedia

By July 1896 he had finished Draft and Explanation of A Programme for the Social Democratic Party and had commenced work on his book The Development of Capitalism in Russia.

Wikipedia

He secured a licence to preach from the Presbytery of Glasgow in 1858 but was unable to commence work as a clergyman at that time owing to ill health.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he commences work" in formal writing when you want to convey a sense of importance or formality regarding the start of a task. However, consider whether a simpler alternative like "he starts work" would be more appropriate for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "he commences work" in informal contexts, as it can sound stilted or pretentious. Opt for more natural alternatives in casual conversation or less formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he commences work" functions as a declarative statement indicating the initiation of work by a male subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting its potential use in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

17%

News & Media

17%

Less common in

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he commences work" is a grammatically sound but relatively uncommon way to express the start of someone's work. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, especially in formal contexts. While grammatically correct, its formality might make it less suitable for casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "he starts work" are often preferred in informal settings. The phrase appears across various contexts, including encyclopedias, news articles, and academic papers, indicating a broad but infrequent use. When deciding to use this phrase, consider the intended audience and the desired tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he starts working

This alternative uses a more common and informal verb, "starts", instead of "commences".

he begins work

This option employs "begins", which is a slightly more formal synonym for "starts" but still more common than "commences".

he initiates work

Using "initiates" adds a slightly more formal tone, suggesting a proactive start.

he undertakes work

This implies that he is taking on or assuming responsibility for the work.

he gets to work

This alternative is more colloquial and emphasizes the action of starting.

he sets about working

This suggests a focused and deliberate start to the work.

he embarks on work

This phrase is more figurative, suggesting a journey or significant undertaking.

he takes up work

Implies that he is starting work after a pause or on something new.

he dedicates himself to work

This emphasizes commitment and focus on the work itself.

he plunges into work

This suggests an enthusiastic and immediate start to the work.

FAQs

What does "he commences work" mean?

The phrase "he commences work" means that a male person is beginning or starting a job, task, or project. It's a somewhat formal way of saying that he is initiating his work duties.

When is it appropriate to use "he commences work"?

It is most appropriate to use "he commences work" in formal settings or when aiming for a more elevated tone in writing. However, in everyday conversation, simpler alternatives like "he starts work" or "he begins work" are generally preferred.

What are some alternatives to "he commences work"?

Some alternatives to "he commences work" include "he starts working", "he begins work", or "he gets to work". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is "he commences work" grammatically correct?

Yes, "he commences work" is grammatically correct. The verb "commences" agrees with the singular subject "he". However, it's important to consider the tone and audience when choosing this phrase, as it can come across as overly formal in some situations.