at its origin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its origin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial point or source of something, often in discussions about history, development, or causes. Example: "The theory was first proposed at its origin in the early 20th century, laying the groundwork for future research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He added that hip-hop music in particular had become the go-to genre for the current crop of young African activists because "at its origin, it's a music of protest".

Vice

Knowledge, all the arts and sciences, literature, all of the religious writings of the world are manifestations of that voice that at its origin is God saying, "Let there be light". It's the voice of creation.

Yale University

Each ligament is narrowest at its origin and comparatively wider at its insertion giving it a "V-shaped" configuration [20].

Insights into Imaging

The AR Cloud will serve as a soft 3D copy of the world and allow you to reorganize information at its origin, in the physical world (or as scientists call it in Latin: in situ).

Forbes

There was a commonality of interest at its origin -- defeating Nazi Germany and imperial Japan.

The Washington Post

Cuss, C. W. & Guéguen, C. Distinguishing dissolved organic matter at its origin: size and optical properties of leaf-litter leachates.

Nature

The objective of the NCTF controller is to make the object motion follow the NCT and end at its origin.

Precision Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

We are most likely to fix it when standing on a solid bedrock of understanding it at its origins.

HuffPost

How do we put a stop to it at its origins?

Huffington Post

The better way is introducing innovative solutions that confront it at its origins and spread of their own accord.

Huffington Post

Rather, if we are to fix it at its origins, we need to acknowledge that people who are empowered are most capable, and most inclined, to exercise responsibility.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the historical context or development of a concept, use "at its origin" to emphasize the initial conditions or influences.

Common error

Avoid using "at its origin" when referring to ongoing evolution or adaptation; instead, focus on the initial state or foundational principles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its origin" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the time or point from which something began or originated. It provides context about the initial state or source, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at its origin" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that describes the beginning or source of something. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase to provide historical context, often found in academic, scientific, and news-related contexts. Alternatives like "at its inception" or "at its source" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remembering the initial conditions is crucial when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its inception

Focuses on the formal beginning or commencement of something, often an organization or project.

at its source

Emphasizes the point from which something originates, like a river or an idea.

in its infancy

Highlights the early stage of development, implying immaturity or potential.

from its roots

Suggests a connection to foundational principles or origins, often in a metaphorical sense.

at its genesis

Emphasizes the moment of creation or beginning, often with a sense of wonder or importance.

at its base

Implies the fundamental or essential part upon which something is built.

in its initial stages

Highlights the early phase of a process or development, focusing on progress over time.

at the outset

Focuses on the very beginning of a task or journey.

at its commencement

Indicates the formal start of an event or period.

at the starting point

Directly references the initial location or moment in a process.

FAQs

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

You can use "at its origin" to describe the beginning or source of something, for example: "The tradition, "at its origin", was a simple harvest festival."

What are some alternatives to saying "at its origin"?

Some alternatives include "at its inception", "at its source", or "in its infancy", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in its origin" instead of "at its origin"?

While "in its origin" might be understood, ""at its origin"" is the more standard and grammatically accepted phrase.

What's the difference between "at its origin" and "at its source"?

"At its origin" refers to the beginning or initial stage of something, while "at its source" implies the point from which something physically or conceptually emerges. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the start or the point of origination.