it commenced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it commenced" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the beginning of an event or action, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The ceremony commenced promptly at noon, marking the start of the festivities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"This is a company that walks that talk," insists Ms. Jung, who joined Avon in 1994, when it commenced its marketing makeover, after a retail career at upscale spots like I. Magnin and Neiman Marcus.

The New York Times

The brigade assembled at Broadmeadows Camp where it commenced its training.

Wikipedia

We also note that whether or not the board could have completed the manual recount by Nov. 26, 2000, or whether the board should have fulfilled its responsibility and completed the full manual recount it commenced, the fact remains that the manual recount was not completed through no fault of the appellant.

The New York Times

Romney's campaign parachuted operatives into swing states in the late spring and summer of 2012, and it commenced throwing phone calls and door knocks at its lists.

Huffington Post

This week, it commenced an investigation into Mr. Quattrone, 18 months after closing its original examination of public offering practices at Credit Suisse.

The New York Times

It commenced in the most somber fashion.

The New York Times

It commenced with him lodged in the Colorado Rockies' lineup.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps it commenced at the end of the northern summer and southern winter of 2001.

The Guardian - Books

It commenced five seconds after the completion of the previous play.

The New York Times - Magazine

So perhaps this image of a corpse is where it commenced, his fascination with both photographs and death.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The fact that a MUI was opened is available in the S.E.C.'s internal records, along with any description provided about the subject matter and investigative subjects when it first commenced.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it commenced" when aiming for a formal or slightly elevated tone, especially in written communication or official reports. Ensure it aligns with the overall register of your text.

Common error

Avoid using "it commenced" in everyday conversation or informal writing, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it began" or "it started" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it commenced" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the beginning of an event or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used. It is comprised of a pronoun and a verb in the past tense, indicating that the subject began something at a specific point in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

23%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it commenced" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote the beginning of an event or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is accurate. While prevalent across various sources, including news, wiki, and science, it leans towards a formal register. Therefore, reserve its use for contexts where a formal or slightly elevated tone is appropriate. Consider alternatives like "it began" or "it started" for more casual situations. Be mindful of the potential for overuse in informal contexts, where simpler phrasing may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it began

More common and slightly less formal.

it started

Most common and least formal alternative.

it initiated

Similar in formality, emphasizing the act of initiating.

it was inaugurated

More formal, often used for official beginnings.

it got underway

Informal, suggesting a process has started.

it was launched

Implies a deliberate and often public beginning.

it sprung up

Suggests a sudden or rapid beginning.

it arose

Formal and somewhat archaic, indicating an emergence.

it took effect

Highlights the moment something becomes operational or binding.

it materialized

Implies something becoming visible or real after a period of planning or anticipation.

FAQs

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

Use "it commenced" to indicate the start of an event or action. For example, "The meeting commenced promptly at 9 AM." It's often used in formal contexts.

What are some alternatives to "it commenced"?

Alternatives include "it began", "it started", or "it initiated". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "it commenced" or "it begins"?

"It commenced" is the past tense form, used for actions that have already begun. "It begins" is present tense, for actions starting now or in the future. Choose the correct tense based on the timeline you're describing.

What's the difference between "it commenced" and "it was commenced"?

"It commenced" is in the active voice, while "it was commenced" is passive. Active voice is generally preferred for its directness and clarity. "It commenced" is typically better unless you need to emphasize the action over the actor.