it commences with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it commences with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of an event, process, or text. Example: "The presentation is structured in a way that it commences with an overview of the main topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Cool It commences with a look at polar bears.

The Washington Post

It commences with discussing MH, a mail-handling application developed by the RAND Corporation.

Linux and the Unix Philosophy

It commences with his arrival in New York City in 1858 and continues, with gaps, up to about 1870.

Columbia University

It commences with a consideration of the origins and evolution of the right to property restitution for refugees and internally displaced persons.

Stanford University

It commences with a personalised account of the first named author's experiences of behavioural, social and critical accounting in the 25 years before MAR appeared.

Management Accounting Research

Only two narratively thin acts long, it commences with Jesus' birth and ends with songs and sermons that, for better or worse, suggest what it's like to be in church.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Sports

It commenced with the appearance of the animal kingdom (i.e., multicelled organisms that ingest food), but the date and details of that event remain obscure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On a long-running sitcom the Ronnie Hazlehurst theme would be augmented with bells, and the opening credits themselves were often festooned with holly; Terry and June of 1980 left even less to chance as it commenced with a shot of an advent calendar.

Independent

It commenced with the arrival at the Earth of a coronal mass ejection, which abruptly compressed the magnetopause and generated a positive magnetic impulse in Kakioka ({B_{x}^{m}}) of about 60 nT at 06:13 UT on 29 October.

Earth, Planets and Space

Of course, I expect most of you to wake up, watch that interview a few hours before I do, and then go back to bed/get on with your lives, making this liveblog extra weird today, so let's get it commenced with all deliberate haste.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it commences with", ensure the subject clearly refers to a specific event, process, or document to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it commences with" can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Opt for alternatives like "it begins with" or "it starts with" for a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it commences with" functions as a transitional phrase, indicating the start or beginning of an event, process, or description. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a grammatically correct expression that can be used to introduce the initial element or step.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it commences with" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the beginning of something. While versatile, Ludwig AI clarifies that it is best suited for formal or neutral contexts, such as academic writing, news reports, or business communications. Consider more informal options like "it begins with" or "it starts with" for casual settings. Examples on Ludwig demonstrate its use across various fields, including literature, science, and current events. Pay attention to the context and intended tone to ensure the phrase effectively communicates the start of a process, narrative, or event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it begins by

This alternative uses 'begins' instead of 'commences', offering a more common and less formal tone.

it starts off with

This phrase employs 'starts off' to convey the beginning, adding a slightly informal nuance.

it initiates with

Replaces 'commences' with 'initiates', suggesting a formal and deliberate start.

its starting point is

This phrase uses 'starting point' to emphasize the origin or initial position.

it gets underway with

Replacing 'commences' with 'gets underway' provides a more dynamic and active sense of beginning.

the opening phase is

This alternative focuses on the 'opening phase', highlighting a specific period of commencement.

the initial step involves

This alternative highlights the first action or 'initial step' in a process.

it originates in

This variation focuses on the origin, suggesting a deeper historical or causal beginning.

the genesis of this is

Using 'genesis' implies a more fundamental or foundational beginning.

it arises from

Suggests a start that evolves or emerges from a prior condition or source.

FAQs

What does "it commences with" mean?

The phrase "it commences with" means that something starts or begins with a particular action, event, or element. It indicates the initial point or starting place of a process or sequence.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it commences with"?

The phrase "it commences with" is appropriate in formal writing or speech, such as academic papers, business reports, or official announcements. For less formal situations, alternatives like "it begins with" or "it starts with" may be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "it commences with"?

Some alternatives to "it commences with" include "it begins with", "it starts with", "it initiates with", or "it opens with". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

How can I use "it commences with" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "The training program is structured so that "it commences with" a foundational overview of the company's mission."