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to embark on

to embark on

95 4.2
To start a new project, activity or journey that is often big and difficult
  • phrasal verb
  • /ɪmˈbɑrk ɑn/
translation icon : emprender
  • We're about to embark on a journey.
  • embark on a journey
  • embark on a project
  • embark on an ambitious project

So hence the need to embark on this letter writing campaign.

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Examples

  • Scientists at the Oregon Research Institute recently embarked on an implementation study in 44 middle schools in Oregon.

    Academic text (2011)
  • This summer, we will embark on a journey to explore the Amazon rainforest.

  • We are going to embark on our deep space journey.

  • I would embark on that business that I started four years ago.

  • And together they embarked on a journey of love.

  • This summer, the Try Guys are embarking on a nationwide live tour.

  • Let's embark on this adventure.

  • After returning to our home countries, we embarked on a literature review.

    Academic text (2015)
  • And it's almost a kind of religious zeal as they embark on their projects.

  • Believe me when I say you are embarking on your most challenging and perilous adventure yet.

    Fiction book (1992)

Synonyms

to start
vsto embark on
1.0

To begin an action, event or process

implies beginning larger, more challenging or significant projects
to begin
vsto embark on
1.0

To start an activity, event, or speech

highlights launches of notable or demanding undertakings rather than neutral acts
to launch
vsto embark on
504 3.7

To start something new with energy, often in public

emphasizes undertaking significant or demanding projects rather than publicity
to get going
vsto embark on
422 2.3

To start doing something or to leave

is used for more formal, significant, or challenging project initiations
to commence
vsto embark on
  • Formal
161 4.4

To begin something

carries stronger sense of important or challenging new undertakings
to set out
vsto embark on
150 3.2

To start doing something with a clear aim

focuses more on starting ventures that are significant or challenging
to embark
vsto embark on
117 4.7

To start a new, important, or difficult activity

is identical in meaning but differs in phrasing or preposition use
to go to work on
vsto embark on
39 3.2

To start doing a task or project seriously

covers initial planning and riskier project starts rather than the focused work phase
to start up
vsto embark on
16 3.2

To begin a new business or project

is broader, applying to important projects beyond organizational formation

Antonyms

401 3.8

Stop supporting an idea or plan

206 2.4

To stop moving or make something stop moving

How Important

to launch
504 3.7
to undertake
190 4.2
to embark on
95 4.2
to set out
150 3.2
to start
1.0

Surface Forms

embark on infinitive
embarked on past participle
embarking on present participle
embarks on third person singular

Morphology

embark + on

The verb 'embark' already carries the sense 'to begin/board' and the preposition 'on' simply marks the thing being begun, so the combined meaning 'to begin a project, activity, or journey' is directly derivable from the constituents. This compositional verb + preposition pattern is common cross-linguistically and therefore should be transparent to a B1 learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Embark on comes from a simple ship image: people would step on a boat to embark and begin a journey. That's why today embark on means 'to begin' a big or important trip, project, or activity.