at the outset of

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the outset of" is correct and usable in written English.
It means "at the beginning of" and is often used to demonstrate the importance of something or the need to take an initial step. Example: At the outset of our project, we need to discuss the goals and objectives of the initiative.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr López was arrested at the outset of the protests.

The Economist

"Listen, boy," Tiffany coos at the outset of "Gee".

The New Yorker

Tepid economic growth at the outset of the election season.

The New York Times

It was apparently at the outset of all of that.

The Washington Post

I'd had my concerns at the outset, of course.

The Guardian - Books

Rick to Negan at the outset of the episode.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

These basic questions must be answered at the outset of any system design.

CCTV Surveillance Analog and Digital Video Practices and Technology

Hazard mitigation techniques are most economical when they are considered at the outset of planning process.

Planning and Designing Research Animal Facilities

At the outset of a research project a mandatory planning phase should produce an effective protocol.

Orthopaedics and Trauma

He was not informed of his constitutional rights at the outset of his detention.

Cornell University

Stanford readily and voluntarily agreed to full correction at the outset of the controversy.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the outset of" to emphasize the importance of initial steps or considerations in a process. For instance, "At the outset of any research project, a clear hypothesis is essential."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "at the outset of" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "at the beginning" or "from the start" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the outset of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating when something occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the outset of" is a versatile prepositional phrase that effectively indicates the beginning of an event or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it is grammatically sound, it's essential to consider the context: it is more formal than options like "at the beginning of". Ludwig's examples demonstrate its frequent use in academic, scientific, and news contexts, making it suitable for more formal writing. Remember to consider simpler alternatives for casual conversation. By understanding its nuances, you can confidently and appropriately use "at the outset of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the beginning of

Replaces 'outset' with a more common synonym, making it slightly less formal.

at the start of

Similar to 'at the beginning of', this option is simple and widely understood.

in the initial phase of

Highlights the stage of a process, providing a more descriptive alternative.

at the inception of

Uses a more formal word ('inception') for 'beginning', suitable for academic or professional contexts.

from the get-go

An informal idiom that means 'from the very beginning'.

at the origin of

Focuses on the point where something originates or comes into being.

at the commencement of

A more formal alternative, suitable for official or ceremonial contexts.

at the dawn of

Metaphorically suggests the start of something new and significant.

to begin with

Offers a simple and direct way to indicate the start of a discussion or process.

initially

A single-word adverb that can replace the phrase, often used to describe the first actions or conditions.

FAQs

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

Use "at the outset of" to refer to the beginning of something, especially when emphasizing the importance of that initial stage. For example, "At the outset of the project, we need to define our objectives."

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

Alternatives include "at the beginning of", "at the start of", or "initially", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "at the outset of" formal or informal?

"At the outset of" tends to be more formal. In casual contexts, consider using phrases like "at the start" or "in the beginning".

What's the difference between "at the outset of" and "at the beginning of"?

While both phrases refer to the start of something, "at the outset of" often implies a more structured or formal context, suggesting careful planning or consideration from the very beginning. "At the beginning of" is more general.