even at the beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

"even at the beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to indicate that something was true from the start and has not changed since, for example: "Even at the beginning, his enthusiasm for the project was evident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I loved living here, even at the beginning.

The New Yorker

But this is an unusual deal already even at the beginning.

The New York Times

The thing about Girls is that it has never been neat, even at the beginning.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There was something to be said for that, even if that other person was just Manny, wheelchair-bound toward the end, and mean, even at the beginning.

The New Yorker

They become almost totally coagulated immediately even at the beginning.

Nanoscale Research Letters

In exploring the entertainment industry job market, I had some reservations even at the beginning.

Science Magazine

Even at the beginning it was never about creating sympathy.

Huffington Post

Here they wouldn't have been rare even at the beginning.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Even at the beginning.

WikiHow

Was there none of that, even at the beginning?

The Guardian - Film

We're on a very different trajectory than we were even at the beginning of the week".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even at the beginning" to emphasize that a particular condition or quality was present from the earliest stages of something, often contrasting it with later developments or expectations. It adds a sense of continuity or consistency.

Common error

Avoid using "even at the beginning" when you simply mean "at the beginning". The "even" adds emphasis, suggesting something surprising or noteworthy about the initial state. If there's no surprise or particular significance, "at the beginning" is sufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even at the beginning" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the time or point at which something occurred or was true. As seen in Ludwig examples, it adds emphasis to the initial state or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Unknown/unmatched sources

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even at the beginning" is a versatile and common phrase used to emphasize a condition or quality present from the very start. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it adds a nuanced emphasis compared to simply saying "at the beginning". Remember to use it when highlighting the continuity or significance of an initial state. By understanding its proper usage, you can effectively enhance your writing and avoid potential misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from the outset

Replaces "beginning" with "outset", emphasizing the very start.

right from the start

Adds emphasis with "right", highlighting immediacy.

from day one

Emphasizes the continuous aspect from the very first day.

from the get-go

An informal idiom meaning from the very beginning.

in the early stages

Focuses on the initial period rather than a specific starting point.

at inception

A more formal and concise way of saying "at the beginning".

at the initial stage

More formal and emphasizes a single, early point.

in the preliminary phase

Emphasizes the preparatory or introductory aspect.

in its infancy

Uses a metaphor to suggest the early stages of development.

at the dawn of

Evokes a sense of newness and origin, suggesting the start of something significant.

FAQs

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

You can use "even at the beginning" to highlight that a certain quality or situation existed from the very start, perhaps contrary to expectations. For example, "Even at the beginning, the project faced significant challenges".

What's a more formal alternative to "even at the beginning"?

More formal alternatives include "from the outset" or "at inception", which convey a similar meaning but are suitable for more formal writing.

How does "even at the beginning" differ from just saying "at the beginning"?

The inclusion of "even" emphasizes that something was true or noticeable right from the start, possibly implying a continuation or intensification of that condition later on. Without "even", it's simply stating when something started.

What phrases are similar in meaning to "even at the beginning"?

Similar phrases include "right from the start", "from day one", or "in the early stages", all indicating something present from the initial phases.