at its founding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its founding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the time when an organization, institution, or entity was established or created. Example: "The company implemented several innovative practices at its founding that set it apart from competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was the earliest European settlement on the Atherton Plateau; at its founding it was called Granite Creek and served as a stop for miners on their way to goldfields in the interior.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At its founding, it pledged to work against "any measures designed to destroy the principles upon which our government was formulated and under which we have prospered as has no other nation in the history of the world".

The New York Times

Correction: April 3, 2004, Saturday An obituary of former New York State Senator Mary B. Goodhue on March 26 misstated the name of the her law firm at its founding; it was Goodhue & Lange.

The New York Times

At its founding, it comprised only three members: Sakimoto, Iwata, and Manabu Namiki.

Wikipedia

At its founding, it was all about the "third space," that space between work and home.

Huffington Post

Many in the movement and even outside it say that it is less ideological than it was at its founding or even a year ago.

The New York Times

But the regime is not nearly as strong as it was at its founding 40 years ago.

The New York Times

Ms. Monte has re-established her company as the single-choreographer troupe it was at its founding in 1981.

The New York Times - Arts

In Charleston, the small Confederate Museum is run by the Daughters of the Confederacy, just as it was at its founding in 1899.

The New York Times - Arts

Winthrop wants to keep the name; Goode wants the town to revert to the name it bore at its founding as a town of free blacks, Freedom; while Aberdeen wants to call it "New Prospera".

Wikipedia

At its founding two generations ago, it decided it would stay away from foreign relations controversies.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at its founding", ensure the subject (organization, institution, etc.) has been clearly introduced for context.

Common error

Avoid attributing characteristics or actions to an entity "at its founding" that only emerged later in its history. Accurately represent the initial state and intentions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its founding" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the time or circumstances under which something began or was established. As evidenced by Ludwig, it provides essential context regarding the origins of the subject being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at its founding" is a versatile tool for providing crucial historical context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and very common, appearing frequently in news, encyclopedias, and wiki articles. It's typically used to clarify the initial conditions, goals, or principles of an organization or concept. When writing, it's important to avoid anachronisms and ensure that any characteristics attributed to something "at its founding" were actually present at that time. Alternatives like "at its inception" or "at its origin" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its inception

Emphasizes the very beginning or start of something, often implying a formal establishment.

at its origin

Focuses on the source or root from which something began.

when it was established

A more direct and less idiomatic way to describe the point of establishment.

at its creation

Highlights the act of bringing something into existence.

in its early days

Refers to the initial period after something was founded, rather than the precise moment.

initially

A concise adverb indicating what was true at the beginning.

in its infancy

Implies a stage of early development and potential vulnerability.

at the outset

Suggests the very beginning of a project or endeavor.

from the start

A more informal way of saying "from the beginning".

in its genesis

Focuses on the origin or mode of formation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "at its founding" in a sentence?

Use "at its founding" to specify the circumstances, principles, or goals that were present when an organization or entity was first established. For example: "The organization pledged to prioritize environmental conservation "at its founding"."

What are some alternatives to "at its founding"?

Alternatives include "at its inception", "at its origin", or "when it was established". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context and level of formality.

Is "at its founding" formal or informal?

The phrase "at its founding" is generally considered neutral to formal in tone. It is suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic writing.

What's the difference between "at its founding" and "in its early days"?

"At its founding" refers specifically to the moment of establishment, whereas "in its early days" refers to the period immediately following the establishment. "At its founding" is more precise, while "in its early days" is more general.