at the beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the start of something. For example: "At the beginning of the movie, the main character was in a dark place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But not at the beginning.

The New York Times - Arts

Let's start at the beginning.

The New York Times

If was at the Beginning.

The New Yorker

"We're just at the beginning.

The New York Times - Science

Let's begin at the beginning.

The Economist

We had expensive stuff at the beginning.

The New York Times

We're fabric-based at the beginning.

Independent

It was really overwhelming at the beginning.

The New York Times

A. I hated ballet at the beginning.

The New York Times - Arts

It was platonic at the beginning.

Independent

Tragedy, in fact, struck at the beginning.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the beginning" to clearly indicate the starting point of a sequence, narrative, or process. This helps provide context and orient the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "at the beginning" repeatedly within a short span of text. Vary your language by using synonyms like "initially", "at the start", or "in the early stages" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the beginning" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically serving as an adverbial modifier. It indicates when something occurs, marking the initial point in time, a process, or a sequence of events. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

27%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the beginning" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote the initial stage or starting point of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts. While very common in News & Media and Wiki sources, it is crucial to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "initially" or "at the outset" for varied writing. Remember to use "at the beginning" to provide clear temporal context and orient your audience effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the start

A direct synonym, emphasizing the commencement of something.

at the outset

A more formal synonym for "at the beginning".

initially

Focuses on the first stage of something, similar to starting point but shorter.

in the early stages

Highlights the period immediately following the start.

at its inception

Refers to the point at which something is created or started.

in the initial phase

Specifies the introductory period with a more technical tone.

in the first instance

Suggests priority or sequence, indicating the first action.

to start with

Implies a sequential order, presenting a starting point.

to begin with

Similar to "to start with", emphasizing the initial action or point.

from the get-go

An informal expression indicating from the very start.

FAQs

How can I use "at the beginning" in a sentence?

"At the beginning" is used to indicate the starting point of something. For example, "At the beginning of the project, we set clear goals."

What are some alternatives to "at the beginning"?

You can use alternatives like "initially", "at the start", or "in the early stages" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "at the beginning"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "at the beginning" can make writing repetitive. Consider varying your sentence structure and using synonyms for better flow.

What's the difference between "at the beginning" and "in the beginning"?

Both phrases are similar, but "at the beginning" is more common and generally preferred. "In the beginning" often has a more narrative or storytelling connotation, while "at the beginning" is more generally applicable.