we commenced

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We commenced on a two-year legal battle with the school district.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today we commenced a lawsuit to remedy Schwab's repeated breach of that duty".

The New York Times

The reason we commenced this war was to defend our country against future terrorist attacks.

The New York Times

As we commenced the third game, I felt a sudden surge of adrenaline.

The New York Times

"As you are aware, we commenced discussions with 888 last November," Ladbrokes chairman Sir Ian Robinson said.

The Guardian - Business

"We commenced a significant lobbying campaign to Congress, and we fell short," added the White House spokesman.

The Guardian

"We commenced a thorough, lengthy and fair investigation, and this was the result," he said in December.

The New York Times - Sports

Trac's inventive use of negatives slips directly into Toklas's prose: "It was then that we commenced our insecure, unstable, unreliable but thoroughly enjoyable experience with the Indo-Chinese".

The New York Times - Books

It was only after we commenced high court action that the government confirmed that the 157 people were in Australian custody on board an Australian vessel.

The Guardian - Opinion

"When we commenced our discussions, I think we were very clear that it would, of necessity, require legislation in this parliament.

Independent

As we reached the tanks, however, the Boche hailed shrapnel upon us and we commenced rapidly to have casualties…  Up the road we staggered, shells bursting around us.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we commenced" to convey a sense of formality and intention when describing the beginning of a process or activity. It's particularly suitable for reports, legal documents, and other formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "we commenced" in casual or informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "we started" or "we began" would be more appropriate. Overly formal language can sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we commenced" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation or beginning of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It signals a deliberate start to a process, as seen in examples like "We commenced a thorough, lengthy and fair investigation."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we commenced" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the initiation of an action or process. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, especially in science, news and media, and formal business settings. While appropriate for formal writing, it is less suitable for casual conversation. When a less formal tone is desired, consider alternatives such as "we began" or "we started". As demonstrated through numerous examples, the key is to align the level of formality with the intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we began

Replaces "commenced" with a more common and less formal synonym.

we started

Similar to "we began", offering a straightforward alternative.

we initiated

Implies a more formal and deliberate start.

we launched

Suggests a more significant or public start, often used for projects or campaigns.

we undertook

Emphasizes the act of taking on a task or endeavor.

we embarked on

Implies starting a journey or adventure, often used metaphorically.

we set about

Indicates starting a task with a specific purpose or method.

we proceeded to

Suggests a continuation from a previous action, leading to a new one.

we got underway

Idiomatic expression for starting a process, often used in nautical contexts metaphorically.

we instituted

Focuses on establishing or bringing something into effect.

FAQs

How to use "we commenced" in a sentence?

"We commenced" is used to indicate the start of an action or process. For example, "We commenced the investigation immediately after receiving the report."

What can I say instead of "we commenced"?

You can use alternatives like "we began", "we started", or "we initiated" depending on the desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "we commenced" instead of "we started"?

"We commenced" is more formal than "we started". Use "we commenced" in formal writing, reports, or when you want to convey a sense of intention and deliberation, while "we started" is suitable for more casual contexts.

Is "we commenced" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "we commenced" is generally too formal for everyday conversation. Simpler alternatives like "we began" or "we started" are more appropriate in informal settings.