at onset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at onset" is not commonly used in written English and may be considered awkward or unclear.
It can be used to refer to the beginning or initial stage of something, but it is more often expressed in other ways. Example: "At onset, the symptoms were mild and easily manageable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All symptoms were maximal at onset.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Age at onset correlated negatively with negative symptoms.

Psychiatry Research

Peak age at onset of MIG varies between countries.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The average age at onset of BD was 19.2 ± 8.3.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

The mean age at onset was 44 (range 21 59).

The Journal of Headache and Pain

There was no documentation of migraine-specific treatment at onset.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

BD type 1. BD type 2. age at onset.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

In terms of age at onset, GAD preceded episodic migraines.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The age at onset was divided into 5 categories.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Age at onset of the whole anxiety disorders group was calculated using the youngest age at onset for those with multiple anxiety disorders.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

All participants suffered from migraine at onset, with a mean age at onset ± SD was 15.0 ± 7.1 years, and a chronification age of 36.0 ± 9.5 years (Table 1).

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "initially" or "at the beginning" for clearer and more concise writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "at onset" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or writing. Opt for more natural alternatives like "when it started" or "at first" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at onset" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate the starting point or initial stage of an event, process, or condition. Ludwig showcases its role in specifying when certain symptoms or treatments become relevant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

19%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at onset" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate the beginning or initial stage of something. It is grammatically correct and very common, especially in scientific and medical contexts. While acceptable in various settings, "at onset" can sometimes sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider synonyms such as "at the beginning" or "initially" for a more natural tone. Ludwig's analysis, based on a multitude of real-world examples, confirms that "at onset" is a useful and appropriate phrase when aiming for precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the beginning

This alternative is a direct and simple substitution, emphasizing the initial stage.

at the start

This alternative is very similar, simply replacing 'onset' with 'start'.

from the outset

This emphasizes the situation from the very beginning and continuously thereafter.

initially

This single-word adverb conveys the same temporal meaning.

in the initial phase

This alternative focuses on the early stages or period of something.

in the opening stages

Focuses on the very first part of a process or event.

at inception

This suggests the very moment something begins or is created.

at the commencement

This is a more formal alternative, implying a deliberate beginning.

in its early stages

This emphasizes the developmental period following the start.

at the dawning

This provides a more figurative, evocative sense of beginning.

FAQs

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

Use "at onset" to indicate the beginning stage of something, such as a disease, project, or event. For example, "At onset of the study, participants were given a questionnaire."

What can I say instead of "at onset"?

You can use alternatives like "at the beginning", "initially", or "from the outset" depending on the context.

Is "at onset" formal or informal?

"At onset" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, phrases like "at the start" or "in the beginning" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "at onset" and "initially"?

"At onset" refers specifically to the moment something begins, while "initially" suggests the first phase or stage of something. The phrase "at onset" is used in more formal context when you are referring to a specific situation.