at the dawn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the dawn" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the beginning or early stages of a particular time period or event. Example: "At the dawn of the internet age, many people were unsure of its potential impact on society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am at the dawn ceremony.

The Economist

in Industrial Relations at the Dawn of the New Millennium.

Cornell University

We are at the dawn of a new Egypt.

The New York Times

We are at the dawn of the Hydrogen Age".

The Economist

"Folks, we're at the dawn of the Second Enlightenment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Steve is at the dawn of his philanthropic stage.

The New Yorker

He arrived at the dawn of a new era.

The New York Times

I'll be right there waiting for him at the dawn".

The New York Times - Sports

The news comes at the dawn of another homestretch.

The New York Times - Sports

We're at the dawn of the internet of things.

The Guardian

The concept actually originated at the dawn of the automobile.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the dawn" to evoke a sense of new beginnings or the early stages of a significant development. It adds a touch of imagery and can be more evocative than simpler alternatives like "at the beginning".

Common error

Avoid using "at the dawn" literally to describe the time of day unless it directly connects to the beginning of something else. It's primarily used figuratively to represent the start of an era, movement, or significant event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the dawn" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to indicate the time or beginning of an event, era, or development. Examples from Ludwig show its common usage in contexts related to the start of significant periods. The expression helps to set the stage and provide temporal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

23%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the dawn" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to signify the beginning of something significant. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically sound and prevalent across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While related phrases offer similar meanings, "at the dawn" often conveys a deeper sense of novelty or potential. When employing this phrase, ensure that it aptly represents the start of a substantial development rather than a literal time of day. Overall, it's a reliable and evocative way to introduce the initial stages of a period, movement, or idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the beginning

Replaces "dawn" with the more generic term "beginning", focusing on the initial stage.

at the start

Similar to "at the beginning", but emphasizes the commencement or outset.

in the early stages

Highlights the initial phase of development or progress.

at the outset

Emphasizes the very first point in time or action.

with the emergence

Focuses on the process of something becoming visible or known.

at the inception

Highlights the initial formation or establishment of something.

in its infancy

Draws a parallel to early childhood to describe the initial development phase.

at the genesis

Emphasizes the origin or creation point of something.

at the kickoff

Informal, emphasizing the initiation of an event or activity.

at the forefront

Highlights being in a leading or prominent position from the start.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the dawn" to refer to the beginning of a period, movement, or idea. For example, "At the dawn of the internet, few could have predicted its widespread impact."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "at the dawn"?

Alternatives to "at the dawn" include phrases like "at the beginning", "in the early stages", or "at the outset", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "at the dawn" in formal writing?

Yes, "at the dawn" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when aiming to create a vivid image of the commencement of something significant. However, ensure it fits the tone and register of your piece.

What's the difference between "at the dawn" and "at the start"?

"At the dawn" often implies a more profound or epochal beginning, while "at the start" is more general. Using "at the dawn" suggests the commencement of something transformative or historically significant.