we commenced sales

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we commenced sales" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the beginning of a sales process or activity in a business context. Example: "After months of preparation, we commenced sales of our new product line last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Key highlights in the growth of Lumia in the first quarter included: – In January, Nokia and T-Mobile commenced sales of the Nokia Lumia 710, the first Lumia product for the United States.

TechCrunch

During the year 2000, the National Social Marketing Program (NaSoMa) commenced sales of its main condom product "Cool Ryder".

Unicef

Tickets for the event commenced sale to the public on November 3, 2007.

Wikipedia

March 2, and aimed to commence sales on March 9, bundling a phone with a service contract.

Huffington Post

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

The Guardian

Based on these observations, we commenced rational surface-active design.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

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

The Guardian - Business

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we commenced sales" in formal business contexts or when a more sophisticated tone is desired. However, be mindful of your audience; simpler alternatives might be more effective in broader communications.

Common error

Avoid using "we commenced sales" in informal settings. Phrases like "we started selling" are often more appropriate and relatable for general audiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we commenced sales" functions as a statement indicating the beginning of a sales activity. It is a declarative statement expressing that the action of selling has started.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically correct, the phrase "we commenced sales" is quite formal. According to Ludwig, it's best suited for professional or business contexts when a sophisticated tone is desired. More common and simpler alternatives, such as "we began selling" or "we started selling", might be more appropriate for general audiences. When writing, it's important to consider the audience and choose the most effective phrase for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we began selling

Replaces "commenced" with "began", a more common synonym.

we started selling

Uses "started" instead of "commenced", offering a simpler alternative.

we initiated sales

Substitutes "commenced" with "initiated", maintaining a formal tone.

sales were launched

Shifts the focus to the sales themselves, using a passive construction.

we rolled out sales

Implies a gradual or phased introduction of sales.

we opened sales

Suggests the beginning of a sales period or event.

sales operations began

Focuses on the operational aspect of starting sales.

we have sales underway

Indicates that sales are currently in progress, having already started.

we set sales in motion

Emphasizes the action of initiating the sales process.

sales efforts were implemented

Highlights the implementation of strategies to start sales.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we commenced sales"?

You can use alternatives like "we began selling", "we started selling", or "we initiated sales" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "we commenced sales"?

The phrase "we commenced sales" is appropriate in formal business settings, reports, or official announcements. It conveys a sense of formality and precision.

Is "we commenced sales" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "we commenced sales" is generally too formal for everyday conversation. Simpler alternatives like "we started selling" or "we began selling" are more suitable.

What's the difference between "we commenced sales" and "we started sales"?

"We commenced sales" is more formal and less common than "we started sales". Both phrases mean the same thing, but the choice depends on the desired tone and audience.