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CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
At the beginning
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"At the beginning" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to when something starts, or as a way to introduce a topic. For example: "At the beginning of this essay, I will discuss the impact of climate change."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
But not at the beginning.
News & Media
Let's start at the beginning.
News & Media
If was at the Beginning.
News & Media
"We're just at the beginning.
News & Media
Let's begin at the beginning.
News & Media
We had expensive stuff at the beginning.
News & Media
We're fabric-based at the beginning.
News & Media
It was really overwhelming at the beginning.
News & Media
A. I hated ballet at the beginning.
News & Media
It was platonic at the beginning.
News & Media
Tragedy, in fact, struck at the beginning.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "At the beginning" to clearly mark the commencement of a story, process, or argument to help readers follow your line of thought from its origin.
Common error
Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "At the beginning". Use synonyms like "Initially" or "To start" to vary your writing and maintain reader engagement.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "At the beginning" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the temporal starting point of an action, event, or state. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Wiki
30%
Formal & Business
15%
Less common in
Science
5%
Encyclopedias
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "At the beginning" is a versatile phrase used to denote the starting point of an event, process, or narrative. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. While generally neutral in tone, remember to vary your phrasing to avoid repetition, and be mindful of its specific temporal context. Top sources like The New York Times and BBC exemplify its usage across diverse scenarios.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
At the start
This alternative is a more concise and informal version.
Initially
This alternative is a single word adverb, shorter and more direct.
At first
This alternative indicates a temporary situation that may change.
To begin with
This alternative introduces a sequence of points or actions.
To start off
This alternative implies an informal launch or commencement.
First of all
This alternative introduces the first point in a series.
In the initial phase
This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a specific stage.
From the outset
This alternative highlights intentions or plans at the very start.
In the first place
This alternative emphasizes priority or original position.
At inception
This alternative is formal and emphasizes the creation or establishment.
FAQs
How can I use "At the beginning" in a sentence?
You can use "At the beginning" to introduce the initial phase of an event, process, or narrative. For example, "At the beginning of the movie, the protagonist faces a significant challenge".
What phrases are similar to "At the beginning"?
Similar phrases include "initially", "to begin with", and "at the start", which all indicate the starting point of something.
Is it redundant to say "At the very beginning"?
While "At the very beginning" is not grammatically incorrect, it can sometimes be redundant. "At the beginning" already implies the start, but "At the very beginning" can be used for emphasis if needed.
What's the difference between "At the beginning" and "In the beginning"?
"At the beginning" typically refers to a specific starting point in a process or story, whereas "In the beginning" often has a more general or even philosophical connotation, such as referring to the creation or origin of something.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested