in our infancy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in our infancy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a stage of development that is early or immature, often in reference to projects, ideas, or organizations. Example: "Our startup is still in our infancy, but we have big plans for the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

And we're in our infancy".

The New York Times - Sports

"Remember, we are only in our infancy".

The New York Times

"In our infancy, we faced a significant learning curve," he said.

The New York Times

"We are still in our infancy in what we do with that data, who owns that data and where it resides.

The Guardian

"Heaven lies about us in our infancy," said Wordsworth, in the course of lamenting that it soon ceased to do so.

The New York Times - Books

Even in our infancy we knew not all the cartoons were up to snuff, and as we grew older our brows furrowed at certain stories about Uncle Walt – but generally, ours was the cowed awe of pygmies before an unknowably vast and ancient monolith.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In 1796, George Washington's skill and popular mandate seemed invaluable at a perilous time in our nation's infancy.

The New York Times

THGI is a relatively common cause of symptomatic hypogammaglubulinemia in infancy in our area.

BMC Family Practice

Detection and characterization by molecular methods like PCR are still in their infancy in our country and a flexible diagnostic technique has never been more important than the present in view of increasing reports of microsporidiosis in India [ 14- 16].

BMC Clinical Pathology

Acute viral bronchiolitis is one of the most common causes of hospitalisation during infancy in our region with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) historically being the major causative agent.

BMC Pediatrics

The results of this follow-up study show that children hospitalised with acute bronchiolitis during infancy in our region are at increased risk for subsequent childhood wheezing and for reduced pulmonary function, at least up to age seven years.

BMC Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in our infancy", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being described as being in its early stages of development. For instance, specify the project, idea, or organization to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in our infancy" when the subject has already achieved a significant level of development. This phrase is most effective when describing truly early-stage endeavors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in our infancy" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the state of something being in its early stages of development. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing projects, ideas, or organizations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in our infancy" is a grammatically sound and usable prepositional phrase that effectively conveys the early stages of development for projects, ideas, or organizations. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, highlighting its typical use in various contexts. While alternatives like "in its early stages" or "at the beginning" offer similar meanings, "in our infancy" adds a nuanced implication of potential and immaturity. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources and can be adapted for professional or formal communication with mindful vocabulary choices. Remember to use this phrase when describing something new and undeveloped, setting appropriate expectations for its current state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in its infancy stage

Slightly redundant, as "infancy" already implies a stage of development.

in its early stages

Focuses on the early part of a process or development, without the implication of immaturity.

in its early days

Implies that something is newly established and has not yet matured.

at the beginning

Highlights the commencement of something, emphasizing the starting point.

in the initial phase

Specifically refers to the first phase of a project or endeavor.

in a nascent state

Emphasizes the newness and potential for growth, often used in more formal contexts.

in the developmental stage

Highlights that something is under development, focusing on the process of growth.

just starting out

A more informal way to express being at the beginning of an endeavor.

in the preliminary stages

Refers to the preparatory steps before the main activity begins.

at an embryonic stage

Suggests a very early and undeveloped stage, implying great potential for future growth.

FAQs

How can I use "in our infancy" in a sentence?

You can use "in our infancy" to describe the early stage of development of something, such as "Our company is "in our infancy", but we have ambitious goals".

What are some alternatives to "in our infancy"?

Alternatives include "in its early stages", "at the beginning", or "in the initial phase". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "in our infancy" in formal writing?

Yes, "in our infancy" can be used in formal writing, particularly when describing the early stages of a project or field. However, consider more formal alternatives like "in a nascent state" for increased sophistication.

What does "in our infancy" imply about the subject being described?

"In our infancy" suggests that the subject is new, undeveloped, and has significant potential for growth. It emphasizes the early stage of development and implies that there is much more to come.