from the outset

USAGE SUMMARY

"from the outset" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to something that was planned or known to be true from the start of a particular process or situation. For example: "From the outset, it was clear that the project would take longer than expected to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Pennsylvania prospered from the outset.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's intense from the outset.

Independent

From the outset Mr. Shatrov ruffled feathers.

The New York Times

Denver attacked Revis from the outset.

The New York Times - Sports

Volterra opposed fascism from the outset.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The word was nonsense from the outset.

The New Yorker

It worked right from the outset.

The New York Times

His fate is sealed from the outset.

The Economist

Sanchez looked dominating from the outset.

The New York Times - Sports

"We differentiated these opinions from the outset.

The New York Times

Confusion and disarray reigned from the outset.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from the outset" to clearly indicate that a plan, intention, or condition was known or established from the very beginning of a situation or project. This helps to avoid ambiguity and sets the context for subsequent events or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "from the outset" when you mean simply "at the beginning". The phrase implies that something was known or planned from the start, not just that it happened early in the process. Using "at the beginning" may be more appropriate when referring to general initial conditions without specific pre-planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from the outset" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something was known, planned, or evident. As confirmed by Ludwig, it clarifies that a particular state or condition was present from the very beginning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "from the outset" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something was known, planned, or apparent from the very beginning of a situation or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adverbial modifier, providing context and clarity. It's commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and general discourse. While alternatives like "from the beginning" and "at the start" exist, "from the outset" carries a specific connotation of pre-planning or prior knowledge. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the presence of a known condition or intention from the start, differentiating it from simply describing initial events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from the beginning

Changes the focus to a more general starting point, without the connotation of a plan or intention.

at the start

A more concise alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

in the beginning

Similar to "from the beginning" but emphasizes the initial phase.

from the get-go

An informal, idiomatic alternative.

initially

A single-word adverb, more formal and concise.

at first

Emphasizes the initial stage in contrast to later developments.

from the word go

An idiomatic expression emphasizing immediate action.

at the inception

A more formal and technical term, suitable for official documents.

in its early stages

Focuses on the developmental period of something.

at the very beginning

Emphasizes the very first part of something, adding intensity.

FAQs

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

Use "from the outset" to indicate that something was planned, known, or evident from the very beginning of a situation. For example, "From the outset, it was clear that the project would be challenging."

What's a more formal alternative to "from the outset"?

A more formal alternative to "from the outset" is "at the inception". This phrase is suitable for technical or official contexts where a higher degree of formality is required.

Is there a more informal way to say "from the outset"?

Yes, an informal way to express the same idea is "from the get-go". This is an idiomatic expression that's common in casual conversation.

How does "from the outset" differ from "at the beginning"?

"From the outset" implies that something was known or pre-planned from the start. "At the beginning" simply refers to the initial phase, without necessarily implying prior knowledge or planning. Choose "at the beginning" when you want to describe the start of something without suggesting a pre-existing intention.