in their infancy

USAGE SUMMARY

"in their infancy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group or concept that is in its early stages of development. For example, "The robots are still in their infancy, so they are very limited in their capabilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The techniques are still in their infancy.

The Economist

Commercial applications are still in their infancy.

The Economist

Net price calculators are in their infancy.

The New York Times

Bone marrow transplants were in their infancy.

The Guardian

But surveys of the region were still in their infancy.

The Guardian

Albarn's band Blur were in their infancy back then.

The Guardian - Music

The other sources of biofuels are really in their infancy.

The New York Times

These information-sharing technologies are still in their infancy.

The New York Times

Silicon Alley and America Online were in their infancy.

The New York Times

Two new regional states are in their infancy.

The Economist

Like all things in their infancy, there are growing pains.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in their infancy", ensure the context clearly indicates what is in an early stage of development. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the potential of something "in their infancy". While potential exists, focus on the current limitations and challenges to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in their infancy" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the state of something being in its early stages of development. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, with examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

33%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in their infancy" is a versatile idiom used to describe something in its early stages of development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across diverse fields, including news, science, and general discourse. While the phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, it's crucial to avoid overstating the potential of something still in its initial phase. Common alternatives include "in its early stages" and "in its nascent state", each offering a slight variation in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in its early stages

Focuses on the developmental aspect, highlighting that something is not yet fully developed.

in its formative period

Emphasizes the crucial period of formation and shaping.

in the initial phase

Highlights the beginning or starting point of a process or project.

at the dawn of

Evokes a sense of something new and just beginning, often with a positive connotation.

in its nascent state

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

in the budding phase

Implies growth and potential, similar to a plant just starting to bloom.

at the commencement of

Focuses on the act of beginning or starting something.

in its preliminary stage

Stresses the preparatory or introductory nature of the current phase.

at the threshold of

Suggests being on the verge of something new or significant.

in the opening chapter

Uses a metaphorical reference to a book, indicating the beginning of a story or development.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "in their infancy"?

When something is described as "in their infancy", it means it is in its early stages of development, just beginning to grow or take shape.

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

You can use "in their infancy" to describe concepts, technologies, or organizations that are newly established. For example, "Renewable energy technologies are still "in their infancy", but they show great promise."

What are some alternatives to saying "in their infancy"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in its early stages", "in its nascent state", or "in the initial phase" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "in their infancy" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is a common and well-understood idiom.