from the very outset

USAGE SUMMARY

"from the very outset" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to emphasize the beginning of a situation or action. For example: "From the very outset, it was clear that she was the perfect candidate for the role."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The naskhī style was from the very outset a more cursive form.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was never any doubt about the outcome of the Marlboro Cup from the very outset.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The implication is clear: Israelis killed justice from the very outset.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it's important to note, from the very outset, that Rome itself grew in a very ad hoc way.

Yale University

From the very outset, the forward-thinking entrepreneur saw his company expanding well beyond the written word.

The New York Times

As the uncontrollable principle of life in the church, the Holy Spirit considerably upset Christian congregations from the very outset.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From the very outset, Google Glass was marketed as a product for the early adopter with a sense of fashion.

The Washington Post

CPT's 2005 report emphasised the importance of suspects having access to a lawyer from the very outset of their detention.

The Guardian

"Like it or not, almost from the very outset, chimney pot-skimming action is what we get.

The Guardian - Film

Nott has written on his blog: "I always wanted the public to know from the very outset.

The Guardian

"From the very outset, our hand has been outstretched in peace to our Arab neighbors," he told the pope.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from the very outset" to emphasize that a particular condition or aspect was apparent or planned from the very beginning of a situation, project, or relationship. This adds a sense of inevitability or clear foresight.

Common error

Avoid using "from the very outset" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "from the beginning" or "initially" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from the very outset" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something began. It emphasizes that a particular condition or intention was present from the beginning. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

22%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "from the very outset" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize that something was apparent or intended from the beginning. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and general discourse. While it is suitable for both formal and informal writing, varying your language with synonyms like "from the beginning" or "initially" can prevent repetitiveness. Its high frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from the start

Similar to "from the beginning", but slightly more informal and direct.

from the beginning

This alternative is more general and lacks the emphasis on immediacy that "from the very outset" provides.

from day one

An idiomatic expression indicating the commencement of something; slightly more casual.

at the inception

This option is more formal and emphasizes the moment of creation or initiation.

at the first instance

A more formal alternative, highlighting the very first occurrence.

at the get-go

An informal idiom with the same meaning, suitable for casual contexts.

from its origins

Highlights the source or beginning point of something's development.

in the initial phase

This alternative highlights the early stage of a process or project.

in the early stages

Focuses on the developmental period rather than the precise start.

right from the jump

This option is very informal and emphasizes immediate action.

FAQs

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

You can use "from the very outset" to emphasize that something was apparent or planned right from the beginning. For example: "From the very outset, it was clear that the project would be challenging."

What are some alternatives to "from the very outset"?

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

Is there a difference between "from the very outset" and "at the outset"?

"From the very outset" emphasizes the immediacy and clarity of something being apparent or planned since the start. "At the outset" is similar but may be slightly less emphatic.

Is "from the very outset" formal or informal?

"From the very outset" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though slightly more formal options like "at the inception" might be preferred in highly formal writing.