early spring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "early spring" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the initial part of the spring season, typically characterized by milder weather and the blooming of flowers. Example: "The garden looks beautiful in early spring, with tulips and daffodils starting to bloom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many of us are introduced to popular mythological characters such as Father Christmas early on in life.

The Guardian - Opinion

Danny Buijs struck an angled attempt from outside the penalty area high and wide as the visitors looked to add to their lead early in the second half.

The Guardian - Sport

This year Ohioans are voting early once again, and most of them are voting to reelect the president, according to the latest polls.

The Guardian

It subsequently recovered, prompted by a switch from the traditional 3pm kick-off time to a primetime early evening berth in 2012, which it has retained ever since.

The Guardian

Based on a true story, its stars McConaughey as an AIDS sufferer who smuggles drugs for other patients to treat the HIV virus in the early days of the disease in the 1980s.

The Guardian - Film

In 1989, he was instrumental in supporting the founding and early development of the charity Citizens UK, which organises communities to act together for the common good.

The Guardian

Early reports suggest that in his testimony to a congressional committee today, General David Petraeus will claim that the Iranians assisted the Mahdi Army militia to fight the forces of Iraqi prime minister Nuri al-Maliki in the recent week-long battle in Basra.

The Guardian - Opinion

MPs and peers laughed as Merkel, who recalled her first visit to London in the spring of 1990 shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, said those expecting a "fundamental reform of the European architecture" in Britain's direction would be disappointed.

The Guardian

Macdonald and Kennedy's friendship dated back to their days running the Glasgow university students' union in the early 1980s.

The Guardian

I lived in Lithuania for four years in the early 1990s.

The Economist

Take the early 1980s.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "early spring" to describe events, conditions, or activities that occur at the beginning of the spring season when the weather is transitioning.

Common error

Avoid using "early spring" to describe events that occur in mid or late spring. Instead, use more general terms like "spring" or "mid-spring".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "early spring" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used adjectivally to describe a time or event. This means it modifies other nouns to specify when something occurs or exists. Ludwig AI highlights its correct grammatical use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "early spring" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe the beginning of the spring season, according to Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and is used to provide temporal context, specifying that something occurs during the initial part of spring. While relatively rare, its usage is generally neutral and appropriate for various contexts, most commonly in news and media. When writing, be sure to use "early spring" to specifically denote the beginning of the season, and avoid using it for events in mid- or late spring. Consider alternatives like "spring onset" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Early springtime

Synonymous, but uses the compound noun "springtime".

Start of spring

Emphasizes the initial phase of spring.

Initial spring

Focuses on the introductory period of spring.

Spring's beginning

Focuses on the commencement of the spring season.

Emerging spring

Emphasizes the development and appearance of spring.

First days of spring

Highlights the initial days of the spring season.

Spring's arrival

Highlights the coming or appearance of spring.

Spring onset

More formal and scientific term for the start of spring.

Pre-spring season

Refers to the season just before spring truly begins.

Late winter

Describes the period immediately preceding spring, often sharing similar characteristics.

FAQs

How to use "early spring" in a sentence?

You can use "early spring" to describe the beginning of the spring season. For example, "The flowers bloom in "early spring"".

What can I say instead of "early spring"?

You can use alternatives like "spring onset", "spring's beginning", or "early springtime" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "early spring" or "beginning of spring"?

Both "early spring" and "beginning of spring" are correct and can be used interchangeably, although "early spring" is more concise.

What's the difference between "early spring" and "late winter"?

"Early spring" refers to the initial part of the spring season, while "late winter" refers to the end of the winter season, immediately preceding spring. They describe adjacent but distinct periods.