at the dawn of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the dawn of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the beginning of something, either figuratively or literally. For example: "At the dawn of the 21st century, the world embarked upon a new era of technological advancement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are at the dawn of a new Egypt.

The New York Times

It was after midnight at the dawn of the 1960s.

The New York Times - Books

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

The action begins at the dawn of creation.

The New York Times - Books

The news comes at the dawn of another homestretch.

The New York Times - Sports

The concept actually originated at the dawn of the automobile.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

In January, at the dawn of the Arab spring, few thought Syria a likely participant.

The Economist

"We are at the dawn of a revolution in the fight against tobacco," he says.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the dawn of" to create a sense of historical perspective or to mark the beginning of a significant era, trend, or event. It's especially effective when emphasizing a transition or a new beginning.

Common error

Avoid using "at the dawn of" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious in settings where simpler language is more appropriate. Simpler alternatives like "at the beginning of" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the dawn of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate the beginning of a period, era, or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the dawn of" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase that effectively denotes the commencement of a significant period or event. As Ludwig AI points out, it is widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, science, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it is best suited for formal and neutral registers, lending a sense of importance and historical context to the subject matter. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "at the beginning of" or "in the early days of" to maintain clarity while adapting the tone. Remember to reserve "at the dawn of" for situations where you want to emphasize a transformative beginning rather than just any initial phase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the beginning of

Directly replaces "dawn" with "beginning", maintaining the core meaning.

at the start of

Substitutes "dawn" with "start", offering a slightly more informal tone.

in the early days of

Rephrases to focus on the initial period, slightly extending the timeline implied.

with the emergence of

Shifts focus to the process of something coming into being, rather than just its start.

as X began

Uses a clause structure to emphasize the commencement of an event or era.

at the inception of

Replaces "dawn" with a more formal "inception", suitable for academic contexts.

in its infancy

Emphasizes the early and undeveloped stage of something.

at the genesis of

Uses a more literary term "genesis" to highlight the origin or creation.

from the outset of

Focuses on the very first stage or moment of something's existence.

as X originated

Highlights the point at which something was created or invented.

FAQs

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

Use "at the dawn of" to describe the beginning of a new era, movement, or significant period. For example, "At the dawn of the digital age, information became more accessible than ever before."

What are some alternatives to "at the dawn of"?

Alternatives include "at the beginning of", "in the early days of", or "with the emergence of", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "at the dawn of" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing historical periods, significant shifts, or the commencement of notable trends. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of your writing.

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

While both phrases indicate a beginning, "at the dawn of" often carries a more significant, almost epochal weight, suggesting the commencement of something major or transformative. "At the start of" is more general and can refer to any beginning, regardless of its long-term impact.