from the beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

"from the beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a time that is prior to the point at which you are talking about. For example, "We have been friends since kindergarten, so I know her character from the beginning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Again, please, from the beginning.

The New York Times

And Flacco has, right from the beginning.

The New York Times - Sports

There were red flags from the beginning.

The New York Times

You accepted those terms from the beginning.

The New Yorker

Public performance is ingrained from the beginning.

The New York Times - Arts

"But I liked Cobras from the beginning.

The New York Times

That was the intention from the beginning.

The New York Times

I was at Beige from the beginning.

The New York Times

We discussed it from the beginning.

The New York Times

Scripps was the plan from the beginning.

The New York Times

But there was dissent from the beginning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from the beginning" to emphasize a continuous state or plan since inception, providing context for current understanding or actions. For example, "The company strategy was clear from the beginning, focusing on sustainable growth."

Common error

Avoid mixing tenses when using "from the beginning". Ensure the subsequent description aligns with the past context. For instance, avoid saying "From the beginning, I will know the answer"; instead, use "From the beginning, I knew the answer" or "From the beginning, I have known the answer."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from the beginning" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the time or point at which something started. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "from the beginning" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves as an adverbial phrase to indicate the starting point of an event, plan, or situation. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically correct and usable in diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and general writing. When needing a variation, alternatives such as "from the start" or "from the outset" can be used, depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to maintain consistent tense usage to avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from the start

Slightly more concise and direct, emphasizing the initial moment.

since the beginning

Highlights duration and continuity from the initial point.

from the outset

More formal, indicating the initial stage of a project or endeavor.

at the start

Similar to "from the start" but can also refer to a specific point in time.

initially

Focuses on the first actions or state, often implying a change later on.

in the beginning

More literary or narrative, often used to introduce a story or account.

from day one

Emphasizes immediate and consistent action or attitude.

from the word go

Informal and emphatic, highlighting immediate commencement.

at the inception

Formal, referring to the very earliest stage of something's development.

in its infancy

Highlights early development and potential growth.

FAQs

How can I use "from the beginning" in a sentence?

You can use "from the beginning" to indicate a starting point or initial phase, as in, "From the beginning, the project faced numerous challenges."

What are some alternatives to saying "from the beginning"?

Alternatives include "from the start", "initially", or "from the outset", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "from the beginning" and "in the beginning"?

"From the beginning" typically implies a continuous state or plan since the start, whereas "in the beginning" often refers to the very first phase or creation. The first one is more appropriate to say "From the beginning I was in charge of this task" while the second one is more appropriate to say "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth".

Can "from the beginning" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "from the beginning" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, phrases like "from the outset" might be preferred.