was commenced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was commenced" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that an action has begun in the past. You can use it when referring to an action that started in the past and is still continuing in the present or has already finished. For example: "The construction of the new bridge was commenced last year and has now been completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Q: The point at which the attack was commenced.

The New York Times

The present lawsuit was commenced on December 18 , 1998

Harvard University

With Colonel Shaw leading, the assault was commenced".

The New York Times

The immigration department confirmed to Guardian Australia the AFP investigation was commenced at its request.

The Guardian

Seventy-two hours after the surgery, neural activity monitoring was commenced.

Nature

The project to build West Burton B was commenced as far back as 2007.

The Guardian

Once detected, the SLG RNA remained consistently positive before antiviral treatment was commenced.

Journal of Clinical Virology

The initial cycle was commenced in 2009,data were collected for 1 year.

European Psychiatry

The synthesis was commenced from octanal 63.

Natural Products and Bioprospecting

Gradual correction was commenced at 2 weeks.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

"A full forensic review was commenced in June 2006.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While grammatically correct, "was commenced" may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "was started" or "began" in less formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "was commenced" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Its formality can sound stilted and unnatural. Simpler alternatives, such as "started" or "began", are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was commenced" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that an action or process was initiated by an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's primarily used to describe the beginning of events, projects, or procedures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was commenced" is a grammatically sound passive voice construction used to denote the beginning of an action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is most appropriate in formal and scientific contexts where precision and authority are valued. While it's correct, its formality may be out of place in casual settings, where alternatives like "was started" are more suitable. Its frequent use in Science, News & Media, and Academia underscores its role in objective reporting. Ludwig examples from authoritative sources like The Guardian and BMC further illustrate its common usage in these domains. Remember to tailor your word choice to the context and audience to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was initiated

Replaces "commenced" with "initiated", offering a slightly more formal tone. The sentence structure remains the same, but the word choice changes.

was begun

Substitutes "commenced" with the simpler "begun", making the sentence less formal. It maintains the passive voice and the same meaning.

was started

Replaces "commenced" with "started", resulting in a more common and informal phrasing. The core meaning remains unchanged.

was launched

Offers a more specific alternative when referring to the start of a project, product, or campaign. It implies a more deliberate and public beginning.

was instituted

Replaces "commenced" with "instituted", suggesting the formal establishment of a rule, system, or practice.

was undertaken

Shifts the focus to the action of beginning a task or project, often implying a sense of responsibility or commitment.

saw the start of

Changes the sentence structure from passive to active voice, emphasizing what or who initiated the action.

had its genesis

Emphasizes the origin or initial development of something, often used for ideas, movements, or complex systems.

came into effect

Specifically refers to the start of a law, rule, or agreement, highlighting its legal or official implementation.

got underway

Provides a more colloquial and informal way of saying something has started, often used in project management or event contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "was commenced" in a sentence?

"Was commenced" is used in the passive voice to indicate that something was started or initiated. For example, "The project "was commenced" last week" or "The investigation "was commenced" immediately after the incident".

What are some alternatives to "was commenced"?

Alternatives include "was started", "was begun", "was initiated", or "got underway", depending on the level of formality and context you need.

In what contexts is "was commenced" most appropriate?

"Was commenced" is most suitable in formal writing, academic papers, and official reports where a tone of authority and precision is desired. It is less common in casual or informal settings.

Is there a difference in meaning between "was commenced" and "was started"?

While both phrases indicate the beginning of an action, "was commenced" is generally perceived as more formal than "was started". The choice depends on the desired tone and audience. In most casual contexts, "was started" is perfectly acceptable, while "was commenced" lends a more official feel.