inception

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'inception' is correct and usable in written English.
It is defined as the establishment or starting point of something, so it can be used to refer to any kind of beginning. For example: "Our journey to success started with the inception of our first product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the first time since the inception of the Prize, the judges decided to make a Special Martha Gellhorn Award to Jonathan Steele.

The Guardian

GQ and Glamour as we have produced both their men and women of the year awards since their inception, and seen them both grow massively in terms of stature and profile.

The Guardian

I'm writing from home now, as I start my maternity leave and everything that is calm and still in the world threatens to collapse around me like that bit in Inception.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Charlie Hebdo has fought all forms of racism since its inception," Biard said.

The Guardian - Books

Long to the short, Twitter is a bit like Inception right now.

The Guardian

From its inception, JIEDDO's charter permitted one narrow band of intelligence activities.

The Guardian

I feel like tonight we've all been cast in Inception, except the story is actually going to make sense.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In terms of measuring the project's overall impact, Marion tells me that the team is in the process of carrying out follow-up surveys on travel use with the 144 households targeted at the project's inception in 2012.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They curate major arts projects, devise cultural strategies, broker cultural partnerships and deliver art projects from inception to completion.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, the attempt to cater for every need in one neighbourhood school risks maintaining the huge institutions that dogged the comprehensive system from its inception.

The Guardian

An online advert imagines two models, brought together because they're both fans of Skrillex and the film Inception, becoming great friends.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inception" when referring to the formal or official beginning of something, especially organizations, projects, or ideas. It adds a touch of formality and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "inception" when you specifically need to state the date something began. Use "inception date" or "start date" to clarify that you're referring to a specific point in time.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "inception" is that of a noun. It refers to the beginning, commencement, or establishment of something. Ludwig AI highlights its usage across diverse contexts, confirming its role as a descriptor of origins.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "inception" functions as a noun that denotes the beginning or establishment of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains, predominantly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using "inception", remember that it adds a touch of formality and precision. Related terms like "commencement", "genesis", and "outset" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid confusing "inception" with "inception date" when a specific date is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commencement

Shares a similar meaning, indicating the start of an event or activity, but can sometimes imply a more formal beginning.

genesis

Refers to the origin or mode of formation of something, implying a broader or more fundamental beginning.

outset

Indicates the very beginning of something, often highlighting initial conditions or circumstances.

origination

Highlights the act or process of something coming into existence or being derived from a source.

establishment

Refers to the act of setting up or founding an institution, organization, or system.

initiation

Implies a formal or ceremonial beginning, often associated with joining a group or starting a process.

foundation

Emphasizes the basis or groundwork upon which something is built, implying a structural or conceptual start.

birth

Directly refers to the beginning of life or the coming into existence of something, often used metaphorically.

dawn

Suggests the beginning of a period or era, often associated with hope or new opportunities.

emergence

Highlights the process of something becoming visible or prominent, implying a gradual beginning.

FAQs

How to use "inception" in a sentence?

Use "inception" to refer to the beginning or establishment of something. For example, "Since its "inception", the company has grown significantly."

What can I say instead of "inception"?

You can use alternatives like "beginning", "start", "establishment", or "genesis" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "inception" or "conception"?

"Inception" refers to the beginning or establishment of something, while "conception" often refers to the formation of an idea or the start of a pregnancy. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "inception" and "initiation"?

"Inception" generally refers to the starting point of an entity or project, while "initiation" often implies a formal acceptance or introduction into a group or process.