we can commence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can commence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of an action or process, often in formal or professional contexts. Example: "Once everyone is present, we can commence the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"But I do enter the caveat that while we can commence those talks, and indeed should commence those talks, we can't obviously deal with the issues related to OTRs, the justice system, in the absence of Justice Lady Hallet's report.

BBC

Before we can commence, we need to find out what we're dealing with.

Vice

Thus, from this point on if we know the reaction parameters (with appropriate units) and initial conditions, we can commence a numerical analysis of the systems to determine how the species' concentrations change over time.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is true that in your case you may need some remedial study before Master's level work can commence, but we are willing to work with you as you come up to speed with the rest of our student body.

Huffington Post

"It's critical that we ensure every detail is considered in the planning process before construction works can commence".

BBC

When the W Hollywood hotel opens in November, the junketing wars can commence.

The New York Times

Barring a miracle, their line-up can commence their summer vacations in 14 days time.

The Guardian - Sport

With heat generated through friction, polishing of the grain surface can commence.

The Guardian - Sport

Before the petal downpour can commence, however, readers must put up with some bullying from Sifton.

The New Yorker

By burning down forests companies can get access to the land and can commence industrial pulp and palm oil plantations.

The Guardian

"If the board refuses, he can commence a lawsuit in state court to recover the money," Mr. Brill said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can commence" in professional settings when initiating a process, task, or discussion. It suggests readiness and capability.

Common error

Avoid using "we can commence" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "we can start" or "let's begin" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can commence" functions as a statement of readiness or capability to begin a particular action or process. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing it in various contexts from news to scientific articles.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we can commence" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the ability and readiness to start something. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is most appropriate in professional or neutral contexts like news or formal discussions, though less common in everyday speech. While alternatives like "we can start" or "we can begin" may be more suitable for informal settings, "we can commence" effectively communicates readiness in more formal scenarios. Despite its correctness, its relative infrequency suggests considering context-appropriate synonyms for clarity and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we may begin

Replaces "can" with "may", softening the tone and indicating possibility rather than certainty.

we are able to start

Emphasizes the ability to begin, highlighting capability.

we will initiate

Shifts to a future tense, expressing a firm intention to start.

we shall start

Uses "shall" for a more formal and sometimes assertive declaration of intent.

we're ready to go

Offers a more informal, direct statement of readiness.

we are set to launch

Suited for projects or initiatives, indicating readiness for launch.

we're good to proceed

Commonly used to signal permission or readiness to continue.

we're authorized to begin

Highlights the presence of permission or authorization to commence.

we've got the green light

Idiomatic expression indicating approval to start something.

we're kicking things off

Offers an informal way of saying that we are about to commence.

FAQs

How to use "we can commence" in a sentence?

Use "we can commence" to indicate the beginning of an action or process. For example, "Now that the preparations are complete, we can commence the meeting".

What can I say instead of "we can commence"?

You can use alternatives like "we can start", "we can begin", or "we can initiate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we can commence" or "we may commence"?

"We can commence" indicates capability and readiness, while "we may commence" suggests permission or possibility. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

Is "we can commence" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "we can commence" is generally considered formal. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives like "we can start" or "let's begin" are more appropriate.