at the onset

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the onset" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to indicate the beginning of a situation or process. For example, "At the onset of the pandemic, many businesses were forced to close their doors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But Carmichael urged caution in rushing to change gender at the onset of puberty.

The Guardian

My body felt hot all over, the way it did at the onset of a fever.

The New Yorker

At the onset, the service aimed to transport 1,000 passengers per day.

The Guardian

The average age at the onset of menopause is 51, but some women start much earlier.

The New York Times - Health

The story takes up again in March - at the onset of spring.

The New Yorker

"The Gathering Storm," the drama on HBO about Winston Churchill at the onset of World War II, won two awards.

The New York Times - Arts

Spack has, he says, put "about 200 children" on to hormone blockers at the onset of puberty.

The Guardian

Stocks declined at the onset of trading yesterday, but quickened their descent after the consumer confidence numbers were released.

The New York Times

cSolar zenith angle at the onset time.

Earth, Planets and Space

We're very interested in the viability of this at the onset".

TechCrunch

All patients were included at the onset of ALI.

Annals of Intensive Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the onset", ensure that it clearly indicates the commencement of a process, condition, or event to avoid ambiguity. For example, clarify if you mean the very beginning or the early phase.

Common error

Avoid using "at the onset" when referring to an ongoing or recurring event. It is best suited for initial stages, not for continuous processes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the onset" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate the temporal location of an event or condition. As evidenced by Ludwig, this often marks the starting point of a process. Ludwig AI confirms it as a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the onset" is a frequently used prepositional phrase indicating the beginning of something, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and versatile, fitting well in news, science, and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI highlights its general use to indicate the beginning of a situation or process. While alternatives like "at the beginning" or "at the start" exist, "at the onset" often implies a more specific or abrupt beginning. Remember to use it appropriately to clearly mark the initial phase and avoid ambiguity. Be cautious of using it for ongoing events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the beginning

Replaces "onset" with a more general term for the start, which is slightly less formal.

at the start

Similar to "at the beginning", offering a simple substitution for "onset".

at the inception

Similar to "at the genesis", indicating the point at which something is created or started.

in the initial phase

Emphasizes the early stage of a process or event, providing a more descriptive alternative.

in the early stages

Focuses on the developmental period after the initial start.

at the kickoff

Implies a more active or event-driven beginning, differing from the neutral tone of "onset".

at the opening

Suitable when referring to the start of an event or performance.

at the dawning

Suggests the very first appearance or start of something, often used metaphorically.

at the genesis

A more formal and emphatic way to denote the origin or beginning of something.

from the get-go

An informal idiom that conveys "from the very beginning".

FAQs

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

Use "at the onset" to indicate the beginning of a process, condition, or event. For example, "At the onset of the rainy season, mosquitoes become more prevalent."

What can I say instead of "at the onset"?

You can use alternatives like "at the beginning", "at the start", or "in the initial phase" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "at the onset" or "in the onset"?

"At the onset" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "In the onset" is not standard English.

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

"At the onset" often implies a more specific or abrupt start, while "in the beginning" can refer to a broader or more gradual commencement. They are often interchangeable but can have subtle differences in connotation.