they have commenced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they have commenced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular action or process has started or begun, often in a formal or official context. Example: "They have commenced the construction of the new building, and we expect it to be completed by next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Supported by over 80 UK personnel, including air and ground crew, they have commenced their first training sortie, to familiarise themselves with the area.

The Guardian

Commenting on the policing and security operation today, Assistant chief constable Alistair Finlay said: "The President of the United States delivered his speech this morning at the Waterfront Hall and all of the World leaders arrived safely in the Lough Erne Resort this afternoon where they have commenced their schedule of meetings.

The Guardian

Mansfield's statement said: "It is disappointing that the actions will involve further significant legal expenditure by the club in defending the unmeritorious proceedings they have commenced.

BBC

In addition, educational strategies that increase patient acceptance of home haemodialysis once they have commenced in-centre haemodialysis warrants investigation.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Police said they had "commenced an investigation into a number of allegations of crime involving a children's charity".

Independent

As a result, the system pays them if they are not in training - but stops supporting them when they do and the Heywood review is looking at ways to support young people after they've commenced training programmes.

The Guardian

"And there isn't even a vehicle to try to resolve your problem, because once they've commenced a foreclosure action, you can't talk to your lender because you're in litigation".

The New York Times

Since household visits were unannounced and potential respondents were not informed about the survey topic, we believe we had little interest bias (due only to interruption of interviews after they had commenced).

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The album was recorded over a 12-month period from March 2008, with the band announcing in April 2009 that they had commenced mixing with Dave Sardy and that they hoped to release their fourth studio album in the summer of 2009, with potentially, a summer tour to follow.

Wikipedia

Providing protection for the New Zealand troopships was a beneficial coincidence, although the timing could have been better, as an Australian expedition to occupy German New Guinea departed from Sydney a few days after the New Zealand force left home waters Australia was expected to support both, but Patey only learned of the expeditions after they had commenced their journeys.

Wikipedia

Children were assessed two years later after they had commenced formal schooling.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they have commenced" when aiming for a formal or official tone. In less formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "they have started" or "they have begun".

Common error

Avoid using "they have commenced" in informal settings or conversations, as it can sound overly stilted or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives when communicating with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they have commenced" functions as a verb phrase, specifically in the present perfect tense. It indicates that a group (they) has started an action, with the action's effects possibly continuing into the present. Ludwig examples showcase usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they have commenced" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that a group has started an activity, according to Ludwig AI. While correct, its formality makes it more suitable for professional and news contexts, but less appropriate for casual conversation. Alternatives like "they have started" or "they have begun" provide simpler options. The phrase sees frequent use in news and scientific sources, and authoritative sources like The Guardian and BBC often employ it. While it's accurate, writers should be mindful of their audience and the desired tone, opting for simpler terms when formality isn't needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they have started

Uses a more common and less formal synonym for "commenced".

they have begun

Another common and slightly less formal synonym, similar in meaning to "they have started".

they initiated

Emphasizes the act of initiating or setting something in motion.

they undertook

Implies a more formal and deliberate undertaking of a task or project.

they set about

Suggests a determined or purposeful beginning to an activity.

they got underway

Idiomatic expression indicating the start of a journey or process.

they embarked on

Suggests the beginning of a significant or challenging endeavor.

they launched

Implies a formal or public beginning, often used for projects or initiatives.

they activated

Indicates the starting or triggering of a system or process.

they proceeded with

Implies continuation from a previous point or plan.

FAQs

What does "they have commenced" mean?

The phrase "they have commenced" means that a group of people has started or begun a particular activity or process. It's a more formal way of saying "they have started" or "they have begun".

When is it appropriate to use "they have commenced"?

It's appropriate to use "they have commenced" in formal or official contexts, such as news reports, legal documents, or business communications. In less formal settings, simpler alternatives like "they have started" or "they have begun" may be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "they have commenced"?

Some alternatives to "they have commenced" include "they have started", "they have begun", "they initiated", or "they undertook". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is "they have commenced" grammatically correct?

Yes, "they have commenced" is grammatically correct. It uses the present perfect tense of the verb "commence" with the subject pronoun "they". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.