at its infancy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its infancy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is in the early stages of development or not fully formed yet. Example: "The technology is at its infancy, and there are many improvements to be made before it becomes widely adopted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a 2001 interview Richard Crazy Legss" Colón, the president of Rock Steady Crew, commented on how Puerto Ricans contributed to breaking: "I think the difference is when the brothas first started doing [it] and it was at its infancy they weren't doing acrobatic moves.

Wikipedia

Unfortunately, the identification of the molecular mediators of plasticity in cell motility is still at its infancy, but it will be surely the next challenge to really target the opportunistic motility of cancer cells [ 69].

Cell Communication and Signaling

Feross was place on the Facebook Groups team when it was still at its infancy.

Huffington Post

The application of this technique has been instrumental in the analysis of endogenous binding of transactivators within genomes (1), although it is still at its infancy stage and should be carried-out more extensively during the post human genome-sequencing era to define molecular basis of diseases.

Biological Procedures Online

What were the conditions like at its infancy and how did it evolve?

Science Magazine

When the concept of electricity was at its infancy during the last century, it was common to read headlines proclaiming "a true wonder of science," "a modern marvel," and "a miracle of physics!" Likewise, the introduction of the telegraph, wireless technology, and even antibiotics were all met with the same wonder and amazement and at the same time suspiciousness and caution.

Forbes

The area of multitouch interaction research is at its infancy.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

And modern education is still at its infancy in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

The field of quantized nonlinear control is still at its infancy.

Acta Automatica Sinica

Rainscreen wall design is still at its infancy stage even after its introduction about four decades ago.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

TS is still at its infancy and therefore the number of cases reported in the literature is limited.

Neuromodulation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at its infancy" to describe fields, technologies, or concepts that are new and still undergoing significant development. For example, "AI ethics is at its infancy, requiring careful consideration of biases and impacts."

Common error

Avoid using "at its infancy" when describing something that is well-established or has reached a stable state. Instead, use phrases like "in its prime" or "at its peak".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its infancy" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the state or condition of something being in its early stages of development, providing context about the phase of progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at its infancy" effectively conveys the idea that something is in its early stages of development. As Ludwig AI validates, it's grammatically correct and widely employed across various domains. Its versatility makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, mainly in the science and news media sectors. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject genuinely represents a nascent field or concept, preventing misapplication to established entities. Alternative phrases like "in its early stages" or "in its nascent state" can provide nuanced expressions while retaining core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in its early stages

Focuses on the temporal aspect of being at the beginning of development.

in its initial phase

Highlights the starting point or beginning phase of something.

in its formative period

Emphasizes the period when something is being formed or developed.

in its nascent state

Indicates a newly formed and still developing condition.

in its developmental stage

Highlights the process of growth and evolution.

at the beginning

A more general term indicating the commencement of something.

in its preliminary stage

Suggests an introductory or preparatory phase.

in its pioneering days

Emphasizes the innovative and exploratory nature of the early period.

in its introductory phase

Highlights the start or introduction of a process or concept.

at its genesis

Emphasizes the origin or creation point.

FAQs

What does "at its infancy" mean?

The phrase "at its infancy" means that something is in its earliest stages of development or existence. It suggests that there is much room for growth and improvement.

What can I say instead of "at its infancy"?

You can use alternatives like "in its early stages", "in its nascent state", or "in its initial phase" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "at its infancy" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "at its infancy" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in scientific, news media, and formal business contexts.

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

You can use "at its infancy" to describe anything that is new and has a lot of potential for development. For example: "Renewable energy technology is still "at its infancy", but it's rapidly evolving."