is commenced

USAGE SUMMARY

"is commenced" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the start of something or an action, and its usage often implies that something else will be done afterwards. For example: "The meeting is commenced and all attendees are now discussing the agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A private prosecution is commenced by requesting a summons from the magistrates' court.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If an investigation is commenced, Ben will cooperate fully and Ben will be fully exonerated".

The New York Times - Sports

"From time to time there's posturing," he said, "but it's very rare that an actual lawsuit is commenced".

The New York Times

Mr. Drohan, the spokesman, said, "Once a lawsuit is commenced, an apology is tantamount to an admission of guilt, and counsel would not permit that".

The New York Times

'An action is commenced or brought, within the meaning of sections 192 and 193, by the filing of a petition and causing a summons to issue thereon.

Cornell University

5th option: if defendant resides outside the state in which the action is commenced, you can use that state's service rule.

Harvard University

It is commenced usually before a commissioner of the court, but on appeal to the District Court additional evidence may be introduced, and the trial is de novo.

Cornell University

''(c) STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS. No action shall be maintained under this section unless it is commenced within 10 years after the cause of action arose.

Harvard University

No criminal proceeding shall be brought under this section unless such proceeding is commenced within 5 years after the cause of action arose.

Cornell University

"If an eviction proceeding is commenced, the tenant on the lease may also be responsible for other charges including, but not limited to, the landlord's reasonable attorneys' fees," he said.

The New York Times

If section 40 is commenced there is a presumption that newspapers outside a recognised self-regulator would pay their own and their opponents' legal costs, even if they won a court case.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is commenced" in formal writing or when emphasizing that a specific procedure is being formally initiated.

Common error

Avoid using "is commenced" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "is started" or "begins" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is commenced" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that an action or process is being started by an unspecified agent. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase marks the initiation of legal proceedings, medical treatments, and other formal activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

22%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is commenced" is a formal way to indicate that something is beginning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in a variety of contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. While alternatives like "is started" exist, "is commenced" carries a more formal tone and is best suited for official or technical contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of your audience and the level of formality required. Its prevalence across authoritative sources ensures that using "is commenced" in the right context will lend credibility and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is initiated

Focuses more on the action of starting or setting something in motion.

is started

A more general and common way to express the beginning of something.

is begun

A slightly more formal synonym for "is started".

is launched

Implies a more formal or public beginning.

is underway

Focuses on the process being in progress after commencement.

is activated

Suggests bringing something into an active or operational state.

is triggered

Highlights the cause or event that initiates something.

is set in motion

Emphasizes the start of a series of events or actions.

is instituted

Implies the establishment of a rule, system, or policy.

is inaugurated

Often used for formal beginnings, like a new project or system.

FAQs

How can I use "is commenced" in a sentence?

You can use "is commenced" to indicate the start of a formal process or activity. For instance, "The legal proceedings "is commenced" upon filing the necessary documents."

What are some alternatives to "is commenced"?

Alternatives to "is commenced" include "is started", "is begun", or "is initiated". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "is commenced" over "is started"?

"Is commenced" is more formal and suitable for legal, official, or academic contexts, while "is started" is more general and can be used in everyday language.

Is "is commenced" the same as "has commenced"?

No, "is commenced" indicates a present passive state (something is being started), while "has commenced" indicates a past action with present relevance (something has already started).