Begin is the more general term:
- Until I can start my car, I cannot begin to finish my chores.
- The meeting will begin at 8:30 exactly.
- My course in Canadian history begins (or starts) on Tuesday, May 15.
- Some people say the world began with a big bang.
- Do not begin writing until the bell rings.
Commence is more formal than begin or start:
- The ceremony will commence promptly at 11 a.m.
Start usually applies to physical motion:
- Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!
Copyright notice for Writing Tips Plus
© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Public Services and Procurement
A tool created and made available online by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Search by related themes
Want to learn more about a theme discussed on this page? Click on a link below to see all the pages on the Language Portal of Canada that relate to the theme you selected. The search results will be displayed in Language Navigator.
Related links
- Writing Tips Plus (home page)
- Writing tools
- Language Navigator (for fast access to language tips)
- TERMIUM Plus®