embark on

Meaning

To start or begin a new journey, venture, or major project. While it originally referred to boarding a ship, it is now commonly used in formal contexts to describe undertaking a significant, exciting, or challenging endeavor.

Examples

• The graduates are ready to embark on their professional careers.

  The graduates are ready to embark on their professional careers.

• Before you embark on a solo trip around the world, make sure you plan your budget.

  Before you embark on a solo trip around the world, make sure you plan your budget.

• The company is about to embark on a major restructuring plan next month.

  The company is about to embark on a major restructuring plan next month.

• They decided to embark on a journey across the Andes.

  They decided to embark on a journey across the Andes.

• As we embark on this new research project, we must consider all potential risks.

  As we embark on this new research project, we must consider all potential risks.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She is embarking in a new business venture.

  ✓ She is embarking on a new business venture.

  The correct preposition after 'embark' when starting an activity is 'on' (or 'upon'), not 'in'.

• ✗ We embarked on the plane at noon.

  ✓ We boarded the plane at noon.

  When physically getting onto a modern vehicle like a plane or train, 'board' is used. 'Embark on' is used for metaphorical journeys or literally boarding a ship.

Related Expressions

Practice

• After months of planning, they are finally ready to ___ their expedition.

  💡 To begin a major journey or project

  Show answer

  embark on

• She decided to leave her corporate job and ___ a career in freelance writing.

  💡 To start a new path or venture

  Show answer

  embark on