at a start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a start" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used to refer to the beginning of an event or process, but it is more natural to use other expressions. Example: "At a start, we faced many challenges, but we eventually found our way."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

All patients were given cabergoline at a start dosage of 0.25 mg twice a week.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

She then moved to San Francisco to work at a start up company, but after the events of 9/11, moved back to Washington.

Huffington Post

Assumptions that a system is in control at a start of a VLAD may need to be made.

BMC Health Services Research

CAGE tags are significantly upregulated in the VPA sample compared to vehicle, at a start site downstream of the canonical RefSeq TSS, corresponding to previously described transcript BC064449.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

Fresh diatom cultures were inoculated at a start cell density of 0.5 × 106 cells/mL, incubated for 24 h and divided into different flasks for exposure experiments.

BMC Genomics

A consensus agreement is needed to proceed with an annotation update that will alter the CDS structure at a start or stop codon or a splice donor or acceptor site or to withdraw a CCDS ID.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

What else is different at a start-up?

The New York Times

At a start-up, this is an asset".

The New York Times

Employees at a start-up help to shape the firm as it grows up.

The Economist

Embarrassed delegates cobbled one together: an internship at a start-up incubator in Detroit.

The New York Times

Within my first week of working at a start-up, I acquired a gut.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clearer and more impactful writing, prefer using alternatives like "at the beginning" or "initially" instead of the less common phrase "at a start".

Common error

Avoid using "at a start" in formal contexts such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more established phrases like "at the beginning" or "initially" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a start" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the commencement or initial phase of an action or event. Ludwig AI suggests that using alternative expressions may be more appropriate.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically correct, the phrase "at a start" is not commonly used in contemporary English. As Ludwig AI points out, alternative phrases such as "at the beginning" or "initially" are generally preferred for clearer and more impactful writing. The phrase appears in a mix of scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral register, but its infrequency makes it less versatile. When writing, consider the alternatives to ensure your message is both clear and stylistically appropriate. Relying on more established phrases will typically enhance the readability and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the beginning

Replaces "a start" with the more common "the beginning", providing a more natural flow.

in the beginning

Emphasizes the initial point in time, changing the preposition for clarity.

initially

A single-word adverb replacing the entire phrase, focusing on the initial state or action.

to begin with

Indicates a starting point or initial consideration in a series of points.

at first

Focuses on the initial experience or stage, offering a more concise alternative.

from the outset

Highlights the very beginning, emphasizing a pre-planned or intentional start.

to start with

Similar to "to begin with", but with a slightly more informal tone.

in the initial phase

More explicitly refers to the beginning stage of a process or project.

at the inception

Emphasizes the point of origin or creation, often used in more formal contexts.

upon commencement

A formal alternative, suitable for official or academic settings.

FAQs

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

While grammatically correct, "at a start" is less common. It's better to use phrases like "at the beginning" or "initially". For example, instead of "At a start, we were unsure", say "At the beginning, we were unsure".

What can I say instead of "at a start"?

You can use alternatives like "at the beginning", "initially", or "in the beginning" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "at a start"?

While not incorrect, "at a start" is less common and may sound awkward to some. It's generally preferable to use more common alternatives such as "at the beginning" or "initially".

What's the difference between "at a start" and "at the beginning"?

"At the beginning" is a more standard and widely accepted phrase for indicating the initial phase. "At a start" is less frequent and might not be as clear or impactful. It's safer to opt for "at the beginning" in most situations.