At the very start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "At the very start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial point in time or the beginning of a process or event. Example: "At the very start of the project, we outlined our goals and objectives to ensure everyone was on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the very start of her life, Anamarie was a long, skinny baby.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the very start of Atomic Number, each singer serves up a line.

The Guardian - Music

At the very start there is a vertical bar of light that appears three times.

The Guardian

At the very start of the show they are asked to sum up the significance of the game.

The Guardian - Sport

At the very start of the e-dating process, mystery may have some benefits.

Huffington Post

At the very start of the programme, during the initial face-to-face preparation, participants were introduced to their respective groups.

Health Research Policy and Systems

At the very start, wait for roughly one second.

WikiHow

It all started at the very start.

The Guardian - Sport

(The fatal handkerchief is produced at the very start).

The New Yorker

Ramos's side, for instance, squandered openings at the very start.

The Guardian - Sport

The bomb is inextricable from Cold War history because it was present at the very start.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the very start" to clearly indicate the initial point in a sequence of events or process. This helps avoid ambiguity and sets the context right away.

Common error

Avoid using "at the very start" repeatedly within a short span of text. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "from the outset" or "initially" to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the very start" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier. It indicates when something occurs, specifically at the initial point or commencement of an event, process, or period. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the very start" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the initial point in time of an event or process. Ludwig AI confirms it's a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, although it can be replaced by alternatives like "from the outset" or "right at the beginning" depending on the context and desired formality. It is used across a variety of domains, including news, science and general writing. Be mindful of potential overuse and choose appropriate synonyms for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Right at the beginning

Emphasizes immediacy and the initial point in time.

From the outset

Highlights the initial stage or phase of something.

At the inception

More formal and emphasizes the origin or creation of something.

In the initial phase

Specifically refers to the preliminary stage of a process.

At the get-go

Informal, emphasizing the immediate start or commencement.

From day one

Emphasizes the commencement from the very first day.

At first blush

Focuses on the initial impression or appearance.

In its infancy

Highlights the earliest stage of development or existence.

At ground zero

Informal and emphasizes starting from the very beginning, often after a setback.

In the preliminary stages

Emphasizes the preparatory or introductory phase.

FAQs

How can I use "at the very start" in a sentence?

You can use "at the very start" to indicate the beginning of an event, process, or period. For example, "At the very start of the meeting, the agenda was reviewed" or "At the very start of the project, we defined our objectives."

What phrases are similar to "at the very start"?

Similar phrases include "from the outset", "right at the beginning", "at the inception", and "in the initial phase". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to use "at the very beginning" or "at the very start"?

Both "at the very beginning" and "at the very start" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the specific context, though "at the very beginning" might feel slightly more emphatic to some readers.

Can "at the very start" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "at the very start" is suitable for formal writing, though it's crucial to ensure it fits the tone and level of formality required. In certain contexts, more formal alternatives like "at the inception" or "from the outset" may be preferred.