At the outset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "At the outset" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the beginning or initial stage of something, often to set the context for what follows. Example: "At the outset of the project, we established clear goals and objectives to guide our work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the outset there is excitement.

The Economist

At the outset "Family Guy" stirred controversy.

The New York Times - Arts

At the outset he owned 49percentt.

The New York Times

At the outset – perhaps by mistake?

The Guardian - Opinion

At the outset their differences are palpable.

The New York Times - Arts

At the outset, the two books are remarkably similar.

The New York Times - Books

At the outset, the simulation is carried out without mobility.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

At the outset, however, a conceptual framework is needed.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

At the outset, the terminology is important.

Huffington Post

At the outset, the ten spies toured the entire land.

Huffington Post

At the outset butorphanol was regarded as prohibitively costly.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "At the outset" with a brief overview to provide immediate context and prevent misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "At the outset" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "at the start" or "initially" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "At the outset" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something occurs. As Ludwig AI explains, it introduces the starting point or initial phase of an event, process, or discussion. For example, "At the outset, the two books are remarkably similar."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "At the outset" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate the beginning of something, often to provide context or set expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing in both News & Media and Scientific contexts. While generally considered neutral to formal, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Remember to use "At the outset" to create a clear signal of the initial stage of an event, project, or discussion, so your audience is on the same page from the beginning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At the start

A direct synonym, focusing on the initial point.

Initially

Focuses on the first action or condition.

From the start

Emphasizes a condition that has been true since the beginning.

In the beginning

Emphasizes the chronological start of something.

To begin with

Highlights the first point in a sequence.

In the first place

Indicates the primary reason or consideration.

First of all

Introduces the first item in a series of points.

At the inception

More formal, referring to the founding or establishment.

At the dawn

Suggests the very early stages of development.

To commence with

A formal alternative, indicating the start of proceedings.

FAQs

How can I use "At the outset" in a sentence?

"At the outset" is typically used to introduce the beginning of an event, process, or discussion. For example, "At the outset, the project seemed simple, but it quickly grew complex."

What are some alternatives to "At the outset"?

Alternatives include "initially", "in the beginning", or "at the start", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "At the outset" formal or informal?

"At the outset" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal settings, simpler alternatives may be more suitable.

How does "At the outset" differ from "At the onset"?

While similar, "at the outset" generally refers to the beginning of a planned event or process, whereas "at the onset" often refers to the start of something less predictable, like a disease or a natural phenomenon.