in early December

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in early December" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific time frame within the month of December, typically indicating the first part of the month. Example: "We are planning to launch the new product in early December to capitalize on the holiday shopping season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Toymail will start shipping in early December.

The New York Times

He had laser surgery in early December.

The New York Times - Sports

In early December, she got good news.

The New York Times

It opens in early December.

The New York Times

In early December, the A.C.L.U.

The New York Times

In early December, the W.T.O.

The New York Times

Serial's second season premiered in early December.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The judgment was published in early December.

The Guardian - Opinion

They moved out in early December.

The New York Times

Families start making them in early December".

The Guardian - Travel

Buyout negotiations failed in early December.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning events or setting deadlines, use "in early December" to communicate a general timeframe without committing to a specific date, providing flexibility while keeping the timing clear.

Common error

Avoid vagueness by being more specific if a precise date is known. While "in early December" is acceptable for general planning, using an exact date prevents confusion when confirming details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in early December" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the time at which an action occurs. Ludwig provides several examples showing its use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in early December" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the beginning of December. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, backed by numerous examples from reliable sources, predominantly in news and media contexts. While versatile, ensure specificity when exact dates are known to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives such as "at the start of December" for variety. The phrase's widespread use and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for communicating timelines effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the start of December

Replaces "early" with "start", maintaining the temporal reference but using different vocabulary.

during the first days of December

Specifies the temporal frame more explicitly, focusing on the initial days of the month.

in the first week of December

Defines a more specific timeframe, limiting the scope to the first seven days.

around December's beginning

Uses "beginning" as a noun to indicate the approximate start of the month.

near the beginning of December

Emphasizes proximity to the start of December without a precise date.

as December begins

Expresses the timing as the commencement of December.

in the initial part of December

Formal alternative, replacing "early" with "initial part".

toward the beginning of December

Indicates a movement in time approaching the start of December.

the first portion of December

More descriptive and slightly less common variant.

right after December 1st

Specifies a timeframe immediately following the first day of December.

FAQs

How can I use "in early December" in a sentence?

Use "in early December" to refer to the beginning part of December, for example, "The conference is scheduled to take place "in early December"".

What are some alternatives to "in early December"?

You can use alternatives such as "at the start of December", "during the first days of December", or "in the first week of December".

Is it correct to say "early of December" instead of "in early December"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "early December" is "in". Saying "early of December" is grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "in early December" and "in late December"?

"In early December" refers to the beginning of the month, approximately the first week or ten days. "In late December" refers to the end of the month, typically the last week or ten days.