it was commenced by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was commenced by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the initiation of an action or event, typically in a formal or historical context. Example: "The project was significant as it was commenced by a renowned architect known for his innovative designs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was commenced in the 60s by the late Roye England, a thin, bespectacled vicar manque in beret and mac who ate only Crunchies, black bananas and boiled eggs "because they were quick", so leaving time for his layout.

The Guardian - Opinion

The present proceeding was commenced by an original application by Young to this court for a writ of habeas corpus.

Cornell University

Exploration for the deposit was commenced by the Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB), with seven surface boreholes that confirmed the existence of a significant coal deposit.

International Journal of Coal Geology

The suit which is now before us was commenced by the State to enforce payment of this assessment and the statutory penalties for delinquency.

Cornell University

Two days after, viz., on July 3 , 1909 this suit was commenced by the appellant, the Red 'C' Oil Manufacturing Company, a corporation of the state of Maryland.

Cornell University

Of the two original cases, No. 81 on the docket of the circuit court was commenced by the appellees in that court.

Cornell University

The other, No. 102, was commenced by the appellant in the district court of the first judicial district of the state of Idaho in and for Shoshone county, and by the appellees removed to the Federal court.

Cornell University

Zimbabwe's national museums at Bulawayo and Harare (then known as Salisbury) were founded in 1901, the Uganda Museum originated in 1908 from collections assembled by the British District Commissioners, and the National Museum of Kenya (now part of the National Museums of Kenya) in Nairobi was commenced by the East Africa and Uganda Natural History Society in 1909.

Britannica

Once an investigation has commenced, the review periods have been extended, allowing the Ministry two months to complete its investigation if an application for a clearance certificate was made, and four months to review if no such application was made and the investigation was commenced by the Ministry.

Columbia University

The defendant in that judgment was not served with process; and the suit was commenced by the attachment of a bedstead belonging to the defendant, accompanied with a summons to appear, served on his wife after she had left her place in Massachusetts.

Harvard University

To study the problem, a two-year collaborative program of geotechnical and hydrogeological investigations throughout the current pit and the area in the direction of advance of the pit in accordance with laboratory tests and analyses was commenced by the authors.

Engineering Geology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was commenced by", ensure that the subject clearly identifies the entity or action responsible for initiating the event or process. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "it was commenced by", as overuse can make writing sound indirect and less engaging. Consider rewriting the sentence in the active voice for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was commenced by" functions as a passive construction, indicating the initiation of an action or event. The subject receives the action, while the agent performing the action is introduced by the preposition "by". The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Wiki

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Academia

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Encyclopedias

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was commenced by" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate the initiation of an action or event by a specific agent. While confirmed by the Ludwig AI as usable, the phrase tends to be formal and is best suited for academic, legal, or official contexts. Simpler, more direct alternatives may be more appropriate for everyday writing. Due to its passive nature, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider active voice constructions for greater impact. Related phrases such as "it was initiated by" or "it was started by" offer varying degrees of formality and directness. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. Since direct examples are missing, the analysis relies on the phrase's known structure and usage patterns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was initiated by

Replaces "commenced" with "initiated", offering a slightly less formal alternative while maintaining the passive voice structure.

it was begun by

Substitutes "commenced" with "begun", providing a simpler and more common synonym in a passive construction.

the process was initiated by

Adds 'the process' to clarify that something procedural began. The original phrase is focused on who/what began something; this stresses the existence of a process.

it was started by

Employs "started" in place of "commenced", resulting in a more informal and direct phrasing.

the undertaking was begun by

Similar to above, but emphasizing a project or endeavor was started. It provides greater context that the original phrase.

it was launched by

Uses "launched" instead of "commenced", suggesting a more active and purposeful initiation.

it was instigated by

Replaces "commenced" with "instigated", implying a deliberate and potentially provocative start.

it was triggered by

Substitutes "commenced" with "triggered", indicating that something was set off or activated by a specific cause.

it was originated by

Uses "originated" instead of "commenced", suggesting the beginning or creation of something new.

it was pioneered by

Replaces "commenced" with "pioneered", highlighting the innovative or groundbreaking nature of the initiation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was commenced by" to sound more active?

Consider using active voice constructions such as "[subject] commenced it" or "[subject] initiated it" for a more direct and engaging tone.

What are some synonyms for "commenced" in the phrase "it was commenced by"?

You could replace "commenced" with words like "initiated", "begun", or "started" depending on the desired level of formality. Each option subtly shifts the nuance of the phrase.

Is "it was commenced by" too formal for everyday writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was commenced by" may sound overly formal in casual contexts. Simpler alternatives like "it was started by" are often more appropriate.

How does the meaning of "it was commenced by" differ from "it was finished by"?

"It was commenced by" indicates the beginning or initiation of something, whereas "it was finished by" indicates the completion or conclusion of something. They represent opposite ends of a process or activity.