at the very beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the very beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the initial point in time or the starting phase of an event or process. Example: "At the very beginning of the project, we outlined our goals and objectives to ensure everyone was on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was at the very beginning for women".

The New York Times

EAVAN BOLAND: Well, certainly not at the very beginning.

The New Yorker

But he almost did, at the very beginning.

The New York Times

It seems like they were there at the very beginning.

The Washington Post

At the very beginning it was a battle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It indicates a sustained releasing tendency despite a burst at the very beginning.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

Transmission electron microscopy reveals the predicted scallop-like microstructure only at the very beginning.

Acta Materialia

We were at a moment where we were at the very beginning.

The New Yorker

And we're only at the very beginning.

Forbes

Let's start at the very beginning.

BBC

At the very beginning, we give the following remark.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of events, use "at the very beginning" to clearly mark the start of the sequence for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "at the very beginning" when "at the beginning" is sufficient. The 'very' adds emphasis, so reserve it for situations where that emphasis is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the very beginning" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the temporal starting point of an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes the initial phase of an event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the very beginning" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the start of an event or process. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business writing. While emphasizing the initial stage, it's essential to avoid overuse in situations where the plain "at the beginning" suffices. Related phrases like "right at the start" or "from the outset" can offer nuanced alternatives. By using this phrase judiciously, you can effectively set the context and draw attention to the initial phases of your narrative or explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right at the start

Emphasizes immediacy and directness in commencing an action or process.

in the initial phase

Focuses on the earliest stage of development or execution.

from the outset

Highlights the importance of the initial approach or plan.

at the starting point

Indicates the exact location or moment where something begins.

at inception

Implies a more formal or technical beginning, often used in project management.

in its infancy

Suggests that something is new and still developing.

at the dawn of

Evokes a sense of novelty and potential in the early stages.

at the genesis

Highlights the creation or origin of something.

from day one

Emphasizes consistency and continuity from the very start.

at the forefront

Highlights being in a leading position from the very beginning

FAQs

How can I use "at the very beginning" in a sentence?

You can use "at the very beginning" to emphasize the start of an event or process. For example: "At the very beginning, we need to define our goals."

What can I say instead of "at the very beginning"?

Alternatives include "right at the start", "in the initial phase", or "from the outset", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "at the beginning" and "at the very beginning"?

"At the very beginning" adds emphasis to the start. While "at the beginning" is neutral, the inclusion of "very" stresses the importance or intensity of that initial moment.

Which is more formal, "at the beginning" or "at the very beginning"?

"At the beginning" is generally more neutral and suitable for a wider range of contexts. "At the very beginning" adds emphasis and may be used in both formal and informal settings, but it should be used sparingly.