commencer/kɔ.mɑ̃.se/
verb · A1 · Frequency 240
verb
Meanings
to begin, to start (intransitive verb)
commencer is often used as an intransitive verb to indicate the start of an action or event, typically followed by time or place adverbials.
to begin, to start (transitive verb)
commencer can also be used as a transitive verb, directly followed by an object, meaning to start doing something.
Examples
Nous allons commencer la réunion dans cinq minutes.
We are going to start the meeting in five minutes.
Il faut commencer par lire attentivement les consignes.
You have to begin by reading the instructions carefully.
Elle préfère commencer tôt pour finir avant midi.
She prefers to start early so that she can finish before noon.
Collocations
- commencer à travaillerto begin to work
Common mistakes
Nous allons commençer demain.
Nous allons commencer demain.
The infinitive is spelled commencer; commençer is not a valid spelling of the lemma commencer.
Related words
synonymdébuterto start
Grammar note
When used intransitively, commencer is commonly followed by the preposition à plus an infinitive, as in commencer à faire quelque chose.
verb
Meanings
to begin, to start (intransitive verb)
commencer is often used as an intransitive verb to indicate the start of an action or event, typically followed by time or place adverbials.
to begin, to start (transitive verb)
commencer can also be used as a transitive verb, directly followed by an object, meaning to start doing something.
Examples
En commençant, elle a salué tous les participants.
As she began, she greeted all the participants.
La réunion commençant dans cinq minutes, nous avons éteint nos téléphones.
With the meeting starting in five minutes, we turned off our phones.
Le concert commençant à vingt heures, nous sommes arrivés tôt.
Since the concert was starting at eight, we arrived early.
Grammar note
When used intransitively, commencer is commonly followed by the preposition à plus an infinitive, as in commencer à faire quelque chose.
verb
Meanings
to begin, to start (intransitive verb)
commencer is often used as an intransitive verb to indicate the start of an action or event, typically followed by time or place adverbials.
to begin, to start (transitive verb)
commencer can also be used as a transitive verb, directly followed by an object, meaning to start doing something.
Examples
Le spectacle a commencé à l'heure prévue.
The show started at the scheduled time.
La réunion a commencé par un bref tour de table.
The meeting began with a brief round of introductions.
Le bruit a commencé dès l'ouverture des portes.
The noise started as soon as the doors opened.
Collocations
- commencer à travaillerto begin to work
Common mistakes
Nous allons commençer demain.
Nous allons commencer demain.
The infinitive is spelled commencer; commençer is not a valid spelling of the lemma commencer.
Related words
synonymdébuterto start
Grammar note
When used intransitively, commencer is commonly followed by the preposition à plus an infinitive, as in commencer à faire quelque chose.
verb
Meanings
to begin, to start (intransitive verb)
commencer is often used as an intransitive verb to indicate the start of an action or event, typically followed by time or place adverbials.
to begin, to start (transitive verb)
commencer can also be used as a transitive verb, directly followed by an object, meaning to start doing something.
Examples
Le cours commence à neuf heures.
The class starts at nine o'clock.
La réunion commence dans cinq minutes.
The meeting starts in five minutes.
Collocations
- commencer à travaillerto begin to work
Common mistakes
Nous allons commençer demain.
Nous allons commencer demain.
The infinitive is spelled commencer; commençer is not a valid spelling of the lemma commencer.
Related words
synonymdébuterto start
Grammar note
When used intransitively, commencer is commonly followed by the preposition à plus an infinitive, as in commencer à faire quelque chose.
verb
Meanings
to begin, to start (intransitive verb)
commencer is often used as an intransitive verb to indicate the start of an action or event, typically followed by time or place adverbials.
to begin, to start (transitive verb)
commencer can also be used as a transitive verb, directly followed by an object, meaning to start doing something.
Examples
Tu commences à comprendre la situation.
You are beginning to understand the situation.
Tu commences après le déjeuner demain.
You will start after lunch tomorrow.
Tu commences toujours par vérifier tes notes.
You always begin by checking your notes.
Grammar note
When used intransitively, commencer is commonly followed by the preposition à plus an infinitive, as in commencer à faire quelque chose.