to embark on

USAGE SUMMARY

"to embark on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
To "embark on" something usually means to begin something, or to start doing something. For example, "I am about to embark on a new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The low-case value is substantial enough to embark on field development.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Time to embark on the cure.

The New York Times - Health

We need to embark on massive training".

The Guardian

What inspired him to embark on such an ambitious challenge?

Independent

IS FRANCE about to embark on another African military intervention?

The Economist

What does it mean to embark on a journey?

The New York Times

Why did I decide to embark on this project?

The New York Times

You're about to embark on a North American tour.

The New York Times

"We needed to embark on a drastic measure".

The New York Times

Will they, like him, dare to embark on something new?

The Economist

And I don't want to embark on a downward spiral.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to embark on" when you want to emphasize the beginning of a significant or challenging journey, project, or endeavor.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "to embark on" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "to start" or "to begin" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to embark on" functions as an infinitive phrase often used to introduce the commencement of a new project, journey, or endeavor. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to embark on" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that signifies the commencement of a journey, project, or significant undertaking. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, signaling anticipation and commitment. While very common across News & Media and Science, the phrase might sound somewhat formal in casual conversations. Therefore, be mindful to use synonyms such as "to start" or "to begin" for informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to initiate

Focuses on the action of taking the first step or setting something in motion.

to commence

A more formal synonym for beginning or starting. It implies a structured or official start.

to set forth on

A more literary and formal way to describe beginning a journey or endeavor.

to launch into

Implies an energetic or enthusiastic start, often without much preparation.

to dive into

Suggests an enthusiastic and immersive start to something, often without hesitation.

to set about

Suggests a deliberate and methodical approach to starting a task or project.

to get underway

Indicates that something is starting and progressing, often a project or journey.

to take up

Implies beginning a new activity, hobby, or study.

to kick off

An informal way to say "to start something", often used in business contexts.

to get cracking on

An informal expression for starting to work on something, implying urgency.

FAQs

How can I use "to embark on" in a sentence?

You can use "to embark on" to describe the beginning of a journey, project, or significant undertaking. For example, "We are about to embark on a new adventure" or "The company decided to embark on a major restructuring plan".

What are some alternatives to "to embark on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to start", "to begin", "to commence", or "to initiate".

Is "to embark on" formal or informal?

"To embark on" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "to start" or "to begin" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "to embark on" and "to start"?

While both phrases indicate the beginning of something, "to embark on" often implies a more significant or challenging undertaking, while "to start" is a more general term for beginning an activity.