i commenced writing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I commenced writing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the beginning of the act of writing, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "After much contemplation, I commenced writing my novel, eager to share my story with the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

As Plutarch wrote during the reign of Trajan, "It was for the sake of others that I first commenced writing biographies; but I find myself proceeding and attaching myself to it for my own; the virtues of these great men serving me as a sort of looking glass, in which I may see how to adjust and adorn my own life".

The New York Times - Books

He commenced writing Summa I at age 32 (in 1982).

HuffPost

He commenced writing his memoirs, which he promised would be "the million pound libel".

Wikipedia

I must commence writing about the vegetation of th two Mountais Popocatepetl and Ixtauihuatl for that scientific work, for which I also took Photos, as I wrote You already.

University of California, Berkeley

I am very anxious to get the names of the plants I asked You for because I have to commence writing about the vegetation of the two Mountains.

University of California, Berkeley

Before interviews commenced, written informed consent was obtained from all participants.

BMC Family Practice

I commenced to perambulate away, but I felt so awful.

The New Yorker

World War I commenced and stretched out agonizingly.

The New York Times - Arts

No sooner had I commenced than all of them, poor overworked fellows, sleepwalked out of earshot.

The New York Times - Books

I commenced to walk backward...

Huffington Post

That's not all I commenced adding up.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I commenced writing" to add a touch of formality or literary style to your writing. This phrase is particularly suitable for academic papers, formal reports, or creative writing pieces where a more elevated tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "I commenced writing" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it may sound overly pretentious or unnatural. In such contexts, simpler alternatives like "I started writing" or "I began to write" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I commenced writing" functions as a statement indicating the beginning of a writing activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and used to denote the initiation of writing. It is a declarative statement signaling the start of a writing process.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I commenced writing" is a grammatically correct, albeit less common, way to express the beginning of a writing activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds use in various contexts, primarily leaning towards academia, news, and scientific writing. Its formality makes it more suitable for contexts where a deliberate and intentional tone is desired. While simpler alternatives like "I started writing" are more prevalent in everyday speech, "I commenced writing" offers a touch of formality and literary style. When used appropriately, it can effectively convey the initiation of writing in a more refined manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started writing

Uses the more common verb "started" instead of "commenced", making it less formal.

I began to write

Replaces "commenced" with "began", offering a slightly more common and less formal alternative.

I initiated writing

Substitutes "commenced" with "initiated", which can be suitable in slightly formal contexts.

I undertook to write

Replaces the original phrase with "undertook to write", which emphasizes commitment to the writing task.

I set about writing

Uses "set about writing", indicating the beginning of writing with a sense of purpose.

I got down to writing

Replaces the original phrase with "got down to writing", which expresses a more casual start to writing.

I launched into writing

Uses "launched into writing", which creates a sense of immediate and enthusiastic start.

I turned to writing

Implies a shift or decision to start writing, rather than a straightforward commencement.

My writing began

Changes the structure to emphasize the start of the writing itself, rather than the actor.

Writing was commenced by me

Uses a passive voice and places "writing" at the beginning of the sentence, changing the emphasis.

FAQs

What does "I commenced writing" mean?

The phrase "I commenced writing" means that you began or started the act of writing. It's a more formal way of saying "I started writing" or "I began to write".

When is it appropriate to use "I commenced writing"?

It's best to use "I commenced writing" in formal writing, academic papers, or creative writing pieces where a more elevated or literary tone is desired. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives are usually more fitting.

What are some alternatives to "I commenced writing"?

You can use alternatives like "I started writing", "I began to write", or "I initiated writing" depending on the context and level of formality you wish to convey.

Is "I commenced writing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I commenced writing" is grammatically correct. The verb "commence" is a valid synonym for "start" or "begin", and using it in this context is acceptable, although it is less common in everyday speech.