# embark on

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/embark-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- She is ready to embark on a new career.
- After graduating from university, he decided to embark on a solo trip across South America.
- The government is about to embark on a series of radical economic reforms designed to curb inflation and stimulate growth.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They embarked to a new adventure." but "They embarked on a new adventure." — the verb 'embark' requires the preposition 'on' (or occasionally 'upon') when followed by the activity being started.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.