Start vs Commence: Which Should You Use In Writing?

Are you confused about when to use “start” or “commence” in your writing? You’re not alone. Many writers struggle with choosing the right word to convey their message. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and provide some guidelines to help you choose the right one for your writing.

Let’s define the two words. “Start” means to begin or initiate something, while “commence” means to begin or start something more formally or ceremoniously.

So, which one is the proper word to use? Well, it depends on the context. In most cases, “start” is the more appropriate choice because it’s more commonly used and less formal. However, if you’re writing a formal document or giving a speech, “commence” might be a better fit.

Now that we’ve established the definitions and appropriate usage of these two words, let’s dive deeper into the nuances of each one and explore some examples of how to use them effectively.

Define Start

Start is a verb that means to begin or initiate an action or process. It can also refer to the point in time or the place where something begins.

For example, when a race begins, the runners start running. In this case, start refers to the initiation of the action. Similarly, a company might start a new project, meaning they are initiating the process of working on it.

Start can also refer to the beginning of a physical location. For instance, a hiking trail might start at the base of a mountain. In this case, start refers to the point where the trail begins.

Define Commence

Commence is also a verb that means to begin or start something. However, it is typically used in more formal or academic contexts than start.

For example, a professor might commence a lecture by introducing themselves and the topic they will be discussing. In this case, commence is used to indicate the formal beginning of the lecture.

Commence can also be used to refer to the beginning of legal proceedings. For instance, a trial might commence with the judge calling the court to order and the lawyers making their opening statements.

Overall, while start and commence share a similar meaning, commence is typically used in more formal or specific contexts than start.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, choosing the right words can make all the difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your message. While “start” and “commence” may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences in their meanings and usage that can impact the tone and precision of your writing. Here’s how to use each of these words properly in a sentence:

How To Use “Start” In A Sentence

“Start” is a versatile verb that can be used in a variety of contexts. Here are some examples of how to use “start” in a sentence:

• She will start the project tomorrow.
• The race will start at 9am.
• He started the car and drove away.
• Let’s start with an easy question.

As you can see, “start” can be used to indicate the beginning of an action, event, or process. It can also be used to suggest a starting point or a first step in a sequence of actions. In general, “start” is a more casual and informal word than “commence,” and is often used in everyday conversation and writing.

How To Use “Commence” In A Sentence

“Commence” is a more formal and precise word than “start,” and is often used in academic, legal, or business contexts. Here are some examples of how to use “commence” in a sentence:

• The meeting will commence at 2pm sharp.
• The contract specifies when the work will commence.
• The lawyer argued that the defendant did not commence the action in time.
• The project will commence once funding is secured.

As you can see, “commence” is often used to indicate a formal or official beginning of an event, process, or legal action. It can also be used to suggest a sense of formality, importance, or precision in your writing. However, it’s important to note that “commence” can sound stilted or pretentious if overused, so it’s best to reserve it for situations where it is truly necessary.

More Examples Of Start & Commence Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide you with a variety of examples of how to use the words “start” and “commence” in a sentence. By understanding how these words are used in context, you can begin to see the subtle differences between them and use them more accurately in your own writing.

Examples Of Using Start In A Sentence

• Let’s start the meeting at 10 AM sharp.
• I need to start exercising more regularly.
• She started to feel sick after eating the sushi.
• The concert will start in 30 minutes.
• He started his own business last year.
• The teacher asked the students to start their homework.
• Can you start the car for me while I grab my bags?
• She started to cry when she heard the news.
• The company plans to start production in the fall.
• He started to run as soon as he heard the starting gun.

Examples Of Using Commence In A Sentence

• The ceremony will commence at noon.
• After the introductions, the speaker will commence her presentation.
• They will commence construction on the new building next month.
• The team will commence their training session in 10 minutes.
• Let us commence the meeting with a moment of silence for those who have passed away.
• The company will commence negotiations with the union next week.
• The project will commence as soon as the necessary funding is secured.
• The judge will commence the trial with opening statements from the prosecution.
• Once the rain stops, we can commence our outdoor activities.
• The orchestra will commence playing the national anthem at the start of the game.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using language, it’s easy to fall into the trap of using words interchangeably, especially when they seem to have similar meanings. One such pair of words that often get mixed up is “start” and “commence.” Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words interchangeably, along with explanations of why they are incorrect, and tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future.

Mistake #1: Using “Start” When “Commence” Is More Appropriate

One common mistake people make is using “start” when “commence” is actually the more appropriate word. For example, saying “I’m going to start my presentation now” might be better phrased as “I’m going to commence my presentation now.” This is because “commence” has a slightly more formal tone and can be used to indicate the beginning of a more significant event or process.

Mistake #2: Using “Commence” When “Start” Is More Appropriate

On the other hand, people also make the mistake of using “commence” when “start” is more appropriate. For example, saying “Let’s commence the meeting” might be better phrased as “Let’s start the meeting.” This is because “start” is a more straightforward and commonly used word that can be used to indicate the beginning of almost any event or process.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid these mistakes, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between “start” and “commence.” One way to do this is to pay attention to the tone and formality of the situation. If you’re in a more formal setting, such as a business meeting or academic presentation, “commence” might be more appropriate. However, in most everyday situations, “start” is the more commonly used and appropriate word.

Another tip is to pay attention to the context in which the words are being used. If you’re talking about the beginning of a process or event that has multiple steps, “commence” might be more appropriate. However, if you’re simply talking about the beginning of something, “start” is likely the better choice.

By understanding the differences between “start” and “commence” and paying attention to the context and tone of your language, you can avoid making these common mistakes and use these words more effectively in your writing and speech.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “start” and “commence,” context is key. While both words can be used to describe the beginning of an action or process, they are not always interchangeable. Understanding the nuances of each word and the context in which they are used can help ensure that your writing is clear and effective.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between “start” and “commence” might change:

Context	Example	Preferred Word
Formal Writing	The ceremony will _______ at 2pm.	Commence
Informal Writing	Let’s _______ the party at 7pm.	Start
Technical Writing	The software installation process will _______ automatically.	Commence
Everyday Conversation	I think we should _______ planning our vacation.	Start

In more formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents, “commence” is often preferred over “start” as it sounds more authoritative and professional. In technical writing, “commence” may also be preferred as it is more precise and specific.

However, in everyday conversation or informal writing, “start” is often the more natural choice. It is also worth noting that in some contexts, the choice between “start” and “commence” may simply come down to personal preference or style.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “start” and “commence” are generally clear-cut, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples of each case:

1. Formal Writing

In formal writing, “commence” is often preferred over “start” as it sounds more sophisticated and professional. For instance:

• The ceremony will commence at 2 PM. (Formal)
• The ceremony will start at 2 PM. (Informal)

However, in informal writing or conversation, “start” is more commonly used.

2. Technical Contexts

In technical contexts such as engineering or programming, “start” is often used to refer to the beginning of a process or operation. For example:

• The machine will start automatically when you press the button.
• The program will start running as soon as you open it.

Using “commence” in these contexts might sound awkward or out of place.

3. Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions in English that use “start” or “commence” in a non-literal way. For example:

• He started from scratch to build his business. (meaning he started with nothing)
• We need to commence with the preparations for the event. (meaning we need to start preparing)

In these cases, the choice between “start” and “commence” is determined by the expression itself, rather than the literal meaning of the words.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have explored the differences between “start” and “commence,” it’s time to put our knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and usage of these two verbs:

Exercise 1:

Replace the word “start” with “commence” in the following sentences:

1. She will start her new job next Monday.
2. I started to feel sick after eating that sandwich.
3. Let’s start the meeting at 2 pm.

Answer Key:

1. She will commence her new job next Monday.
2. I commenced to feel sick after eating that sandwich.
3. Let’s commence the meeting at 2 pm.

Exercise 2:

Choose the correct verb to complete the following sentences:

1. He ___________ his journey at dawn. (start/commence)
2. The concert will ___________ at 8 pm sharp. (start/commence)
3. She ___________ to cry when she heard the news. (started/commenced)
4. The team will ___________ their training session in the afternoon. (start/commence)

Answer Key:

1. He commenced his journey at dawn.
2. The concert will start at 8 pm sharp.
3. She started to cry when she heard the news.
4. The team will commence their training session in the afternoon.

By completing these exercises, you will have a better understanding of how to use “start” and “commence” appropriately in your writing and speech. Remember, “start” is more common in everyday language, while “commence” is more formal and often used in professional contexts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between start and commence may seem subtle, but it is important to understand the context in which each word is used. Start is more commonly used in everyday conversation, while commence is typically used in formal or legal contexts.

Key takeaways from this article include:

• Start and commence have similar meanings but are used in different contexts.
• Start is more informal and commonly used in everyday conversation, while commence is more formal and typically used in legal or official contexts.
• It is important to use the correct word based on the context in which it is being used.

As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn. Encourage readers to continue expanding their knowledge and understanding of the English language and its nuances.