they commenced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they commenced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of an action or event, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "After much preparation, they commenced the project with great enthusiasm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Accordingly they commenced by an insidious debauching of the public mind.

The New Yorker

"Two weeks later, they commenced this nonprimary residence case," Mr. Ween said.

The New York Times

They commenced to fire at us with their rifles and before we could get down they had caused us further casualties".

Independent

They were among the smallest of the more than 800 Eastern Nguni Bantu clans, but from the day of Shaka's arrival they commenced their march to greatness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There, now numbering around 2,500, they commenced to blow whistles and hooters, sing out slogans and protest anthems, and throw fireworks, flares, and other objects onto the field.

The Guardian - Sport

It's simply not enough to be told how important timeliness is when a meeting is scheduled; ultimately it would have been most meaningful for historians and casual readers alike to learn how the president assessed the content of the meetings once they commenced.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

No doubt thrilling, there is much to prepare for by seniors as they commence towards commencement and onto the rest of their lives.

Huffington Post

The eggs hatch and start to grow, and when their jaws are sufficiently mature, they commence feeding on one another.

The New York Times - Science

Running between wickets is a neglected art, which Australia should address and improve as they commence a postmortem which is liable to last quite a long time.

The Guardian - Sport

Without warning, they commence the polyrhythmic vocal monkey chant: "Cak, cak, cak", an incessant, fast-moving, high-pitched murmuring broken continually by individual voices alternatively more upbeat and downbeat.

The Guardian - Travel

New York has similar laws requiring that charities alert the attorney general's office of their embedded giving plans and that all such plans be operated under a contract that must be acknowledged by that office before they commence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they commenced" to add a touch of formality or sophistication to your writing, especially in academic or professional contexts. However, consider whether a simpler alternative like "they began" or "they started" might be more appropriate for less formal situations.

Common error

Avoid using "they commenced" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. In such contexts, simpler alternatives like "they started" or "they began" are usually more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they commenced" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an action by a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It's frequently found in contexts where a more formal tone is desired.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they commenced" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the initiation of an action by a group of individuals. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most appropriate for formal settings, such as academic, scientific, or professional contexts, where a more elevated tone is desired. While "they commenced" is a correct phrase, simpler alternatives like "they began" or "they started" are often more suitable for everyday conversation and informal writing. Ludwig's examples also highlight the prevalence of "they commenced" in news media and encyclopedic entries, further solidifying its role in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they began

This is a more common and less formal way to express the beginning of an action.

they started

Similar to 'they began', but even more informal and widely used.

they initiated

A slightly more formal alternative, emphasizing the act of setting something in motion.

they inaugurated

Implies a more formal and often public beginning or opening of something.

they undertook

Suggests that they started something requiring significant effort or commitment.

they embarked on

Suggests the start of a journey or endeavor, often with an implied sense of adventure or risk.

they launched

Implies a forceful or public beginning, often used in the context of products or initiatives.

they set about

Indicates that they started working on something, often in a methodical way.

they proceeded to

Indicates a start that follows logically from a prior action or decision.

they got underway

An idiomatic expression indicating the beginning of a process or event, often after some preparation.

FAQs

What does "they commenced" mean?

The phrase "they commenced" means that a group of people started or began something. It's a slightly more formal way of saying "they began" or "they started".

What can I say instead of "they commenced"?

You can use alternatives like "they began", "they started", or "they initiated", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "they commenced" too formal for everyday use?

While grammatically correct, "they commenced" is generally considered more formal. In everyday conversation or informal writing, simpler phrases like "they began" or "they started" are often preferred.

How do I use "they commenced" in a sentence?

You can use "they commenced" to describe the beginning of an action or event involving a group of people. For example, "After the introduction, they commenced the presentation" or "Once the signal was given, they commenced their attack."