at first stages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at first stages" is not correct in standard written English.
A more appropriate expression would be "in the initial stages" or "at the early stages." Example: "In the initial stages of the project, we focused on research and development."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The impact of decisions taken at first stages of Industrialization Design is remarkable, and software tools to assist designers are required.

Procedia Engineering

Random walk is adopted by the two algorithms at first stages of search and robots transmit at each step their current position to others.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

However, transcript levels dropped in resistant plants at first stages of infection, such as oviposition (RQv -1.53) and egg ecclosion (RQv 1.22).

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

NEW EXECUTIVE AT SECOND STAGE -- The Off Broadway house Second Stage Theater has appointed a new executive director.

The New York Times

(2016)] for violence scenes detection at first stage.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

The decay rates at first stage were slightly changed, but the decay rates at second stage were significantly affected by the light intensity.

Catalysis Today

At first, staging a baptism in the West seems redundant and unnecessary.

The New York Times - Arts

Longshoremen's unions worldwide vehemently opposed it at first, staging a series of bitter strikes.

The New York Times

The prescribed wake model is applied at first stage of the modelling strategy to provide basic information on blade aerodynamics.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

At first stage, one-factor-at-a-time experiments were performed to see the individual effects of initial pH, adsorbent dosage, and contact time.

Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers

So, at first stage, nine locomotives are needed to service all trains with classical time windows.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the beginning of a process or project, prefer using phrases like "in the initial stages" or "at the early stages" for clearer and more grammatically correct communication.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "at first stages" as it's not considered standard English. It is advisable to opt for better-established alternatives to maintain professionalism and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first stages" functions as an adverbial phrase, attempting to specify when something occurs within a sequence or process. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. This phrase tries to act as a temporal modifier, but it doesn't conform to standard English usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at first stages" is flagged by Ludwig AI as grammatically incorrect in standard written English. While some examples can be found, better alternatives like "in the initial stages" or "in the early stages" are recommended for clearer and more precise communication. The phrase attempts to indicate the beginning phase of a process, but it is best avoided in formal writing. Instead, consider using alternatives that provide grammatical correctness and enhance clarity. Therefore, stick to established phrases to maintain professionalism and avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the initial stages

Replaces the preposition "at" with "in" and uses the adjective "initial" for better grammatical flow.

in the early stages

Uses "early" instead of "first" to describe the stages, resulting in a more common and natural expression.

at the beginning

Simplifies the phrase to a more basic and universally understood expression.

at the outset

Replaces "first stages" with a single word indicating the commencement or start.

in the preliminary phases

Uses "preliminary phases" instead of "first stages" to indicate an introductory period.

during the initial phase

Specifies a singular "phase" and uses "initial" to denote the start.

at an early phase

Implies an unspecified early point within the process.

at the starting point

Focuses on the origin or commencement of the process.

in the nascent phase

Uses the word "nascent" to describe the early phase of something's development.

in its infancy

Compares the initial stage to the early period of life, implying immaturity and development.

FAQs

What is a better alternative to "at first stages"?

More appropriate alternatives include "in the initial stages", "in the early stages", or "at the beginning".

Is "at first stages" grammatically correct?

No, "at first stages" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Using "in the initial stages" or "in the early stages" is recommended.

How can I use "in the initial stages" in a sentence?

You can say, "In the initial stages of the project, we focused on research and development." This is a clearer and more common way to express the idea compared to "at first stages".

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

"At first stages" is not a standard phrase. "In the early stages" is grammatically correct and commonly used to refer to the beginning phases of something.