hostilities commenced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hostilities commenced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the beginning of conflicts or wars, often in historical or formal writing. Example: "The declaration of war was followed by a series of events that led to hostilities commenced between the two nations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The young prince abruptly broke with the Romans, but before hostilities commenced he was assassinated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hostilities commenced on April 12 , 1861 with the South's attack on Fort Sumter, so Lincoln took his time before embracing his role as the Great Emancipator.

The Washington Post

Hostilities commenced in public at the end of June, when Onyx told shareholders it had rejected an unsolicited offer from Amgen at $120 a share.

The New York Times

In 1937 Japan began full-scale offensives against China; European hostilities commenced in 1939; the United States became involved in World War II in 1941.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The causes, course and consequences of the war have been the subject of an ever shifting argument which began even as hostilities commenced and is very much with us today.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the desire to do something greater gnawed at him, and when hostilities commenced, he decided to do everything he could to capture the war through the all-seeing eye of the camera.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Once hostilities commence, their end point is unknowable.

The Washington Post

To economists, there's nothing strange about a peace rally before hostilities commence.

The New Yorker

Thai Airways has flights to five cities in the Persian Gulf and will suspend those flights if hostilities commence.

The New York Times

When hostilities commence, it could make the skirmish over steel and aluminium tariffs look like a playground spat.

The Times

The rule-makers also initiated what they call the "Wes Barrette Handshake Rule". Named for a fondly remembered St. Paul coach and instituted "to prevent post-game incidents while promoting sportsmanship," it requires players line up to shake hands before hostilities commence.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hostilities commenced" to signal the official or formal start of a conflict, especially in historical or analytical writing. It adds a tone of seriousness and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "hostilities commenced" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "fighting started" or "war broke out" to maintain a natural and accessible tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostilities commenced" functions as a statement indicating the beginning of a state of conflict or warfare. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hostilities commenced" is a formal expression used to indicate the beginning of a state of conflict or war. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is most appropriate in formal writing, historical accounts, and official reports. While grammatically sound, simpler alternatives like "fighting started" may be more suitable for informal contexts. Analysis of usage patterns reveals it's commonly found in news and encyclopedic sources, maintaining a neutral register. When deciding if to use "hostilities commenced", consider both tone and audience of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

war broke out

This alternative uses a more straightforward and common expression to indicate the start of a war.

warfare initiated

This substitutes "hostilities" with "warfare" and uses "initiated" in place of "commenced", maintaining a formal tone.

conflict began

This option employs simpler language, replacing "hostilities commenced" with more accessible terms.

combat operations began

This alternative specifies "combat operations" to emphasize the military aspect and replaces "commenced" with "began".

fighting started

This phrase offers a basic and easily understandable way to describe the beginning of combat.

the conflict erupted

Uses a more vivid verb, "erupted", to convey a sudden and forceful beginning of the conflict.

the clash unfolded

Implies a gradual development into conflict, swapping direct terms for more descriptive language.

battle was joined

Offers a more traditional or literary way to say that a battle started.

skirmishes ensued

Focuses on the initial, smaller-scale conflicts that lead to larger hostilities.

the first shots were fired

Highlights the specific moment when the fighting began.

FAQs

What does "hostilities commenced" mean?

The phrase "hostilities commenced" means that a state of armed conflict or warfare has begun. It's a formal way of saying that fighting has started.

When is it appropriate to use "hostilities commenced"?

It's best to use "hostilities commenced" in formal writing, historical accounts, or official reports when describing the start of a conflict. It's less suitable for casual conversation.

What are some alternatives to "hostilities commenced"?

Alternatives include "conflict began", "war broke out", or "fighting started". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "hostilities commenced" grammatically correct?

Yes, "hostilities commenced" is grammatically correct. "Hostilities" is the noun, and "commenced" is the verb in the past tense, indicating the start of the conflict.