ENGLISH
REFERENCE

embark on

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to start a new project, journey, or important activity that might be long or difficult.

phr. v.. to commence a significant undertaking, venture, or journey; typically used with abstract nouns representing life stages or complex tasks.


SIMPLE

She is ready to embark on a new career.

CONTEXTUAL

After graduating from university, he decided to embark on a solo trip across South America.

COMPLEX

The government is about to embark on a series of radical economic reforms designed to curb inflation and stimulate growth.

Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
embark + on + object
Usage

usually followed by a noun phrase representing a major life event or a long-term project.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'start' or 'begin'; 'embark on' carries a sense of importance and often implies a long journey ahead, whether literal or metaphorical.

Pitfall

They embarked to a new adventure.They embarked on a new adventure.the verb 'embark' requires the preposition 'on' (or occasionally 'upon') when followed by the activity being started.

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