From the outset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "From the outset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or relevant from the very beginning of a situation or process. Example: "From the outset, we made it clear that our goal was to improve customer satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

From the outset Mr. Shatrov ruffled feathers.

The New York Times

From the outset, the RRP encountered criticism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From the outset it was socially diversified.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From the outset last night.

The Guardian - Sport

From the outset, Maria's survival was problematic.

The New Yorker

From the outset, we received complaints.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

From the outset, something was off.

The New Yorker

From the outset, their roles were clear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

From the outset, there were problems.

The New York Times - Magazine

From the outset, his principles were clear.

The Guardian - Arts

From the outset his touch was sublime.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "From the outset", ensure that the rest of the sentence supports the idea of something being present or relevant from the beginning. Avoid contradictions or later statements that might undermine this initial condition.

Common error

Avoid using "From the outset" when describing a gradual change or development. The phrase implies an immediate and pre-existing condition, not something that evolved over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "From the outset" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause to indicate when something began or was initiated. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "From the outset" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize that something has been the case from the very beginning. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, particularly in news and encyclopedic sources. While its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication, ensure that its usage aligns with the intended meaning of something being present or relevant since inception. Consider alternatives like "from the start" or "initially" for nuanced expressions. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can effectively integrate "From the outset" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

From the start

A direct synonym emphasizing the initial moment or phase.

Right from the start

Emphasizes immediacy and directness from the beginning.

At the beginning

This alternative focuses on the initial phase, using a more general term.

In the beginning

Similar to "at the beginning", this phrase places emphasis on the initial period.

Initially

A single-word adverb denoting the beginning.

At first

Indicates the initial stage or period of something.

From day one

Emphasizes the continuous nature from the very first day.

To begin with

Used to introduce the first point or action in a series.

From the get-go

An informal phrase with a similar meaning, indicating the start of something.

From the word go

Another informal synonym emphasizing immediacy from the beginning.

FAQs

What does "From the outset" mean?

"From the outset" means "from the beginning" or "from the start". It indicates that something was true or relevant from the very beginning of a situation or process.

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

You can use "From the outset" to indicate that something was a certain way or was planned a certain way from the beginning. For example, "From the outset, the project faced numerous challenges".

What are some alternatives to "From the outset"?

Some alternatives to "From the outset" include "from the start", "at the beginning", or "initially".

Is it better to use "From the outset" or "From the beginning"?

Both "From the outset" and "from the beginning" are correct and largely interchangeable. "From the outset" might imply a slightly more emphatic or immediate beginning, but the difference is subtle.