launch an expedition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "launch an expedition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of starting or initiating a journey or mission, often for exploration or research purposes. Example: "The team decided to launch an expedition to the Arctic to study climate change effects on polar ice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But Michael seized power, declaring himself king; and only upon abdicating the Brazilian empire (1831) was Peter able to proceed to Europe, occupy the island of Terceira in the Azores, and launch an expedition to conquer the mainland in Maria's name.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Other than that, and knowing that Deraniyagala was right, M. hotaula is still pretty mysterious," says Baker, who hopes to launch an expedition to learn more about them.

Science Magazine

Artanis decided to launch an expedition to rescue the preserver, but didn't know where to start.

Wikipedia

In the meantime, Marex-Titanic Inc. was formed in 1992 to launch an expedition to the Titanic.

Wikipedia

In 1978, he met with adventurer Dick Smith, who was about to launch an expedition to recover the Kookaburra from the Tanami Desert.

Wikipedia

Even though Skanderbeg did not participate in this, Venice used it as a casus belli to launch an expedition against Skanderbeg.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The British and French launched an expedition against Ranavalona but were repulsed at Tamatave in 1845.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1591 the Portuguese launched an expedition to Kandy to enthrone Dom Philip, an heir of the dispossessed ruler.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1293 Torgils Knutsson launched an expedition in an attempt to conquer all of Karelia and built a fortress in Viipuri.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1894, he launched an expedition to secure the route, and before setting out he addressed his followers from a balcony of his great house.

The New Yorker

4. Much like President Kennedy launched an expedition to the moon, why not launch a national expedition into the brain?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "launch an expedition", ensure the context clearly defines the purpose and destination of the expedition to provide clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "launch an expedition" when referring to simple trips or casual explorations. This phrase implies a planned, often scientific or exploratory, undertaking with significant resources and objectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "launch an expedition" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the initiation of a significant undertaking. It is used to describe the action of beginning a planned journey, often for exploration, research, or military purposes as showcased by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "launch an expedition" is grammatically sound and used to describe the start of a well-organized journey, often for exploration or research. As noted by Ludwig AI, its formality makes it suitable for encyclopedic entries, news reports, and professional communications, though less common in casual contexts. Alternatives such as "embark on an expedition" or "initiate an expedition" can provide slight variations in meaning. While it isn't incorrect, be mindful of the scale of the journey; this phrase is best reserved for planned, significant undertakings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embark on an expedition

Replaces "launch" with "embark on", emphasizing the beginning of a journey or undertaking.

initiate an expedition

Substitutes "launch" with "initiate", focusing on the act of starting or setting something in motion.

begin an expedition

Replaces "launch" with "begin", a more straightforward way to express the start of the expedition.

start an expedition

Uses "start" in place of "launch", offering a simple and direct synonym.

undertake an expedition

Changes "launch" to "undertake", highlighting the commitment and responsibility involved in the expedition.

mount an expedition

Replaces "launch" with "mount", which conveys a sense of preparation and organization before the expedition.

organize an expedition

Shifts the focus to the planning and structuring of the expedition, replacing "launch" with "organize".

dispatch an expedition

Uses "dispatch" instead of "launch", emphasizing the sending out or forwarding of the expedition.

set forth on an expedition

Emphasizes the act of commencing a journey, substituting "launch" with the more descriptive "set forth on".

send out an expedition

Replaces launch with a more descriptive phrase, focusing on the action of sending the expedition.

FAQs

How can I use "launch an expedition" in a sentence?

You can use "launch an expedition" to describe the start of a planned journey, often for exploration or research. For example, "The university decided to "launch an expedition" to the Amazon to study biodiversity".

What phrases are similar to "launch an expedition"?

Alternatives include "embark on an expedition", "initiate an expedition", or "start an expedition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "launch an expedition" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "launch an expedition" carries a formal tone. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "go on a trip" or "start a journey" may be more suitable.

What distinguishes "launch an expedition" from "take a trip"?

"Launch an expedition" suggests a well-organized and purposeful journey, often with scientific or exploratory goals. "Take a trip" is a more general term for any journey, regardless of planning or purpose.