at the outbreak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the outbreak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the moment when something, typically a conflict or disease, begins or starts to spread. Example: "At the outbreak of the pandemic, many countries implemented strict travel restrictions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the outbreak of war, Indian regiments were immediately mobilised.

The Guardian

Marceau Narcy, an Alcyon rider who died almost at the outbreak of war in September 1914.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet few citizens of Newburgh expressed surprise at the outbreak of violence.

The New York Times

At the outbreak of war he was taken on by the radical Daily News.

The Guardian

At the outbreak of the second world war in 1939, Kenneth registered as a conscientious objector.

The Guardian

Ireland was on the brink of civil war at the outbreak of the first world war.

The Guardian

At the outbreak of the second world war, he volunteered for the RAF.

The Guardian

At the outbreak of war Pankhurst ordered all campaigning to cease.

The Guardian - Arts

At the outbreak of WWII, the child fled Paris with her mother.

The New Yorker

In order to enlist at the outbreak of war, he added a year to his age.

The Guardian

They arrived in Oxford as undergraduates at the outbreak of war.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the outbreak", ensure the context clearly defines what event or situation is starting. For instance, specify "at the outbreak of the war" or "at the outbreak of the disease".

Common error

Avoid using "at the outbreak" without a clear reference to the event being initiated. Ambiguity can arise if it's unclear what is breaking out or beginning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the outbreak" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating when something occurred. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in specifying the timing of events, such as "At the outbreak of war".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the outbreak" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates the commencement of an event. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is primarily used in contexts such as news reporting, encyclopedic entries, and general informative writing, marking the start of significant occurrences like wars or epidemics. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context clearly specifies what event is beginning to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "at the onset" or "at the beginning" can be used for slight variations in emphasis. Ludwig examples support the phrase's correct usage and frequency in diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the onset

Focuses more directly on the initial stage or start.

at the beginning

A more general term indicating the start time.

in the wake

Implies events that immediately follow, often with a sense of consequence.

with the emergence

Highlights the appearance or rise of something new.

upon the commencement

More formal and emphasizes the official start.

as it began

Simplifies the phrasing to a straightforward description of the start.

when it started

Focuses on the timing of the initial action or event.

at the launch

Often used for planned initiatives or projects.

in its infancy

Emphasizes the early stage and development.

at its inception

Focuses on the initial formation or establishment.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the outbreak" to specify the beginning of a conflict, disease, or other significant event. For example, "At the outbreak of the war, many citizens evacuated the city."

What phrases are similar to "at the outbreak"?

Similar phrases include "at the onset", "at the beginning", or "with the emergence", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "at outbreak" instead of "at the outbreak"?

No, it is not correct. The definite article "the" is necessary because you are referring to a specific instance of an outbreak.

What's the difference between "at the outbreak" and "in the aftermath"?

"At the outbreak" refers to the beginning of an event, whereas "in the aftermath" refers to the period following a significant and often destructive event.