Understanding the Phrasal Verb: How to Use "Embark On" Correctly
Welcome, English learners! Phrasal verbs can be tricky, but mastering them significantly boosts your fluency. Today, we're diving deep into the versatile phrasal verb embark on. You'll often hear native speakers use embark on when discussing new beginnings or significant undertakings. This post will guide you through its meanings, structures, and provide practical examples to help you confidently use this important phrase. We'll explore what "embark on" means, see how it's structured in sentences, look at similar phrases, and even test your knowledge!
Table of Contents
- What Does Embark On Mean?
- Structure with Embark On
- Related Phrases and Synonyms
- Practice Time!
- Conclusion
What Does Embark On Mean?
The English phrasal verb embark on is a wonderfully evocative phrase used primarily to signify the beginning of something significant. When you embark on something, you are essentially starting or launching into it, often with a sense of formality, importance, or adventure. It’s more than just ‘starting’; it implies a commitment to a course of action or a journey that is noteworthy. Think of it as setting sail on a new sea of experiences, whether literal or metaphorical. Understanding how to use embark on correctly will add a touch of sophistication to your English communication, especially when you want to begin a new project or describe a significant life event.
More: Ease Up: Meanings and Usage of This Phrasal Verb
Structure with Embark On
To use embark on effectively, it's crucial to understand its typical grammatical structures and the contexts in which its different meanings apply. This phrasal verb is transitive, meaning it always requires an object – the journey, project, or undertaking that is being started. Let's explore the common meanings and their structures.
Meaning 1: To Begin a Significant Journey
One of the most common uses of embark on is to describe the act of starting a journey, particularly one that is long, arduous, adventurous, or of great personal importance. While it historically referred to boarding a ship (to embark), its modern usage extends to any significant trip. Using embark on here elevates the description beyond a simple 'start a trip'. It highlights the magnitude or the special nature of the journey itself. This is a key way to start a journey with more descriptive language.
Structure: Subject + embark on + Noun Phrase (representing the journey, e.g., a voyage, an expedition, a world tour, a spiritual quest, an adventure)
Examples:
- "The explorers eagerly embarked on their challenging expedition to the uncharted Antarctic regions."
- This sentence uses embark on to emphasize the beginning of a difficult and notable journey.
- "After much preparation, Sarah embarked on a solo backpacking trip across South America, a journey she had dreamed of for years."
- Here, embark on conveys the significance and the deliberate commencement of a long-anticipated personal adventure.
This usage often implies careful planning or a momentous decision to begin the travel. It’s not typically used for casual, everyday trips like going to the grocery store.
Meaning 2: To Start a New Project, Career, or Undertaking
Beyond physical journeys, embark on is frequently used to describe the beginning of a new venture, project, career path, or any significant undertaking that requires effort and commitment. This could be starting a new business, beginning a challenging academic course, or initiating a major life change. When you embark on such an endeavor, it suggests you are ready to begin a new project or phase with dedication. The phrase lends a sense of gravity and importance to the new beginning.
Structure: Subject + embark on + Noun Phrase (representing the project, career, or undertaking, e.g., a new career, a business venture, a course of study, a significant reform, a challenging task)
Examples:
- "The tech startup embarked on an ambitious project to develop revolutionary AI software."
- This example illustrates embark on being used for a major, challenging business initiative that the company is choosing to launch.
- "Having completed his degree, Michael embarked on his professional career as a medical researcher, eager to contribute to science."
- In this case, embark on marks the formal start of a significant new phase in Michael's life and professional development.
Using embark on in this context implies that the undertaking is not trivial and will likely require sustained effort and focus. It’s a powerful way to describe the initiation of something substantial.
Meaning 3: To Engage In or Become Involved In Something New or Complex
This meaning is closely related to the second but can also apply to more abstract processes or activities, such as discussions, investigations, or a particular course of action that might be complex or demanding. When you embark on something in this sense, you are committing to engaging with it, often with the expectation that it will require careful attention or effort. It's about consciously choosing to undertake a specific activity or process.
Structure: Subject + embark on + Noun Phrase (representing the activity, process, or engagement, e.g., a discussion, an investigation, a series of negotiations, a new policy, a path of discovery)
Examples:
- "The negotiating teams from both countries agreed to embark on a fresh round of trade talks next month."
- This sentence uses embark on to signify the formal beginning of a potentially complex series of discussions.
- "Before you embark on a major lifestyle change, it’s wise to consult with professionals and gather information."
- Here, embark on refers to the deliberate act of starting a significant and potentially challenging personal process.
This usage underscores the initiation of an activity that is often multifaceted or has important implications. It suggests a level of seriousness in the approach to the new engagement.
More: Understanding the English Phrasal Verb 'Ease Off': Usage Guide
Related Phrases and Synonyms
While embark on is quite specific, several other words and phrases can convey similar meanings, though often with slightly different nuances. Understanding these synonyms can enrich your vocabulary and help you choose the most appropriate term for a given context. Remember, the choice of word can subtly alter the tone and emphasis of your sentence.
Below is a table of synonyms for embark on, focusing on its primary meanings of starting a journey or a significant undertaking:
| Synonym | Explanation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Undertake | To commit oneself to and begin (an enterprise or responsibility); take on. | She decided to undertake the task of reorganizing the office. |
| Commence | To begin; start. Often used in more formal contexts. | The construction work will commence in early spring. |
| Launch | To set (a process or activity) in motion; initiate, often with some fanfare. | The company plans to launch its new app next quarter. |
| Initiate | To cause (a process or action) to begin; to formally start something. | The government will initiate a review of the current policy. |
| Set out | To start a journey, often with a specific purpose or destination in mind. | They set out at dawn, hoping to reach the summit by noon. |
These synonyms provide alternatives, but embark on often carries a stronger connotation of a significant, perhaps challenging, or adventurous beginning compared to a general term like 'start' or 'begin'. Consider the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey when choosing between these words and embark on.
More: Drum Up: Meaning and Usage of This Useful Phrasal Verb
Practice Time!
Now that you've learned about the meanings and structures of embark on, let's test your understanding with a few multiple-choice questions. Choose the best option for each sentence.
Question 1: Which sentence uses "embark on" most appropriately to describe starting a journey?
a) I will embark on to the store for some milk.
b) The ancient mariners decided to embark on a perilous voyage into unknown seas.
c) She will embark on a quick call with her friend.
d) Let's embark on eating dinner now.
Correct answer: b
Question 2: The company decided to ______ a major restructuring program to improve efficiency.
a) embark up
b) embark in
c) embark on
d) embark with
Correct answer: c
Question 3: "To embark on a new career" means to:
a) Finish a career.
b) Take a short break from a career.
c) Begin a new professional path, often one that is significant.
d) Discuss a career with someone.
Correct answer: c
Question 4: Which of the following situations would LEAST likely be described using "embark on"?
a) A student starting a PhD program.
b) A country beginning a major infrastructure project.
c) A person deciding to learn a new, complex skill like coding.
d) Someone starting to watch a short video online.
Correct answer: d
How did you do? Reviewing the explanations and examples can help if any of these were tricky. Keep practicing!
Conclusion
Understanding and correctly using the phrasal verb embark on can significantly enhance your English expression, allowing you to convey the commencement of significant journeys, projects, or life phases with greater precision and impact. As we've seen, its meanings are tied to beginnings that are often noteworthy, challenging, or adventurous. By familiarizing yourself with its structures and nuances, you add a powerful tool to your linguistic repertoire. Don't just learn it; try to embark on using it in your own conversations and writing to truly make it your own!