at the very start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the very start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the beginning of an event, process, or narrative. Example: "At the very start of the project, we outlined our goals and objectives clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It all started at the very start.

The Guardian - Sport

(The fatal handkerchief is produced at the very start).

The New Yorker

Ramos's side, for instance, squandered openings at the very start.

The Guardian - Sport

The bomb is inextricable from Cold War history because it was present at the very start.

The New Yorker

This data ends in 2016, at the very start of the Trump era.

The Washington Post

We need to deal with the two giants of miniature at the very start.

The Guardian - Books

So said new host Neil Patrick Harris at the very start of this year's.

The Guardian - Film

At the very start of Atomic Number, each singer serves up a line.

The Guardian - Music

Below them, the geese-type things we saw at the very start run out.

The Guardian - Sport

At the very start of her life, Anamarie was a long, skinny baby.

The New York Times - Magazine

The paper was launched in 2001, at the very start of the digital age.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the very start" to emphasize the importance of the initial stage, ensuring clarity and focus on the commencement of a process or event. For example, "At the very start of the meeting, define the project's objectives to guide the discussion effectively."

Common error

Avoid using "at the very start" repeatedly within a short passage. This can make your writing sound redundant. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "initially", "at the outset", or "from the beginning" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the very start" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the temporal location of an action or event. Ludwig AI shows that it is frequently used to emphasize the initiation of something. It specifies when something happens in relation to the beginning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the very start" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that emphasizes the beginning of an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing, where clear and emphatic communication is essential. While versatile, it is important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "at the outset" or "from the beginning" to maintain writing fluency. This phrase effectively highlights the importance of the initial stage while remaining concise and professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the outset

Implies a formal beginning or initial stage of a process.

from day one

Indicates the very first day or beginning of an endeavor, suggesting consistency since then.

from the get-go

An informal way of saying from the beginning. It suggests immediately and without delay.

right from the jump

Similar to 'from the get-go', it implies starting immediately and energetically.

at the inception

Refers to the point at which an idea or project is conceived or initiated, often used in formal contexts.

in the initial phase

Highlights the early stage of a process or project, focusing on development.

at the commencement

Emphasizes the formal beginning of an event or activity, commonly used in ceremonies or official occasions.

to begin with

Signifies the first point or action in a sequence or argument.

at the genesis

Denotes the origin or creation point of something, often used in a literary or historical context.

at the kick-off

An informal way of saying from the beginning, mostly related to sports.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the very start" to emphasize when something begins, for example: "At the very start of the project, we need a clear plan".

What are some alternatives to "at the very start"?

Some alternatives include "at the outset", "from the beginning", or "initially". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

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

"At the very start" emphasizes the beginning more strongly than "at the start". The addition of "very" adds emphasis to the initial moment or phase.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use "at the very start"?

It is most appropriate to use "at the very start" when you want to draw particular attention to the initial phase of an event, project, or process, highlighting its importance. For instance, "At the very start of the experiment, ensure all equipment is calibrated".