at early

USAGE SUMMARY

"at early" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happened or will happen at an early (or premature) point in time. For example, "We began working at early this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

at early stages.

European Journal of Cell Biology

This difference is pronounced at early cycles.

Fuel

Available at Early English Books Online.

University of California, Berkeley

The effect was more pronounced at early ages.

Construction and Building Materials

"They looked at early child care, while we looked at early maternal employment.

The New York Times

Pharmacovigilance systems are aimed at early detection of ADRs.

Journal of Biomedical Informatics

Syndromic surveillance is aimed at early detection of disease outbreaks.

International Journal of Medical Informatics

Microglial phagocytosis of dopamine neurons at early phases of apoptosis.

Cornell University

My children and grandchildren learned to ski at early ages.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A micromechanical model for autogenous and drying shrinkage predictions of concrete at early-age is developed.

Construction and Building Materials

A Little Heaven Below: Worship at Early Methodist Quarterly Meetings.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at early", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific stage or time frame you are referring to. For instance, "at early stages of development" provides more clarity than just "at early".

Common error

Avoid using "at early" without specifying what is early in relation to. Vague usage can lead to ambiguity. Instead of saying "problems at early", specify "problems at early stages of the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at early" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying nouns or verbs to specify a temporal aspect. It indicates that something occurs during the initial or beginning phases. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at early" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify a temporal aspect, indicating that something occurs during the initial or beginning phases. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, from scientific and academic writing to news media. While "at early" is frequently used, it's essential to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity in your writing. Consider alternatives like "in the early stages" or "during the initial phase" for enhanced precision. With its widespread usage and varied applications, understanding the nuances of "at early" is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the start

Provides a simple and direct alternative to "at early".

in the early stages

Changes the preposition and adds a noun to clarify the temporal phase.

during the initial phase

Replaces "early" with "initial" and specifies "phase" for clarity.

in the preliminary stages

Replaces "early" with "preliminary" to emphasize preparation or groundwork.

in the beginning

Uses a more general term for the start of a process or period.

at the outset

Offers a concise way to express the commencement of an event or process.

at an initial juncture

Employs more formal vocabulary to indicate the beginning.

at the dawn of

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe the start of something.

during the formative period

Highlights the period of formation or development.

in its infancy

Compares the beginning to the early stages of life, indicating immaturity or newness.

FAQs

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

You can use "at early" to describe something occurring in the beginning phases. For example, "The effect was more pronounced "at early ages"" or "Intervention "at early ages" may mitigate racial disparities".

What phrases are similar to "at early"?

Similar phrases include "in the early stages", "during the initial phase", and "in the beginning", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "at early stage" or "in early stage"?

"At early stage" is generally preferred over "in early stage". The preposition "at" indicates a specific point in time or phase, making it more suitable in this context.

What's the difference between "at early stage" and "at early stages"?

"At early stage" refers to a single, initial point, while "at early stages" indicates a period encompassing several early phases. The choice depends on whether you're referring to a specific moment or a broader period of commencement. For example, "at early stage there are no specific symptoms".