Phrasal verb
embark upon
Definition
phrasal verb. to start a new project, journey, or activity that is usually big or important.
phrasal verb. to commence a significant undertaking or journey; typically used for major life changes or formal projects.
Examples
“She is about to embark upon a new career in medicine.”
“After graduating from university, he decided to embark upon a solo trip across South America.”
“The nation is prepared to embark upon a series of radical economic reforms to stabilize the currency.”
Examples
simple
“She is about to embark upon a new career in medicine.”
contextual
“After graduating from university, he decided to embark upon a solo trip across South America.”
complex
“The nation is prepared to embark upon a series of radical economic reforms to stabilize the currency.”
Usage
highly formal and usually followed by a noun representing a major life event or project.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'start' or 'begin'; 'embark upon' suggests a sense of adventure or a long-term commitment.
Pitfall
They embarked upon to build the house.
They embarked upon building the house.
the phrase is followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
Phrasal verb
Particles
upon
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
embark + upon + object