it is very early

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is very early" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that the time of day is early, often in contexts where timing is relevant, such as planning or scheduling. Example: "I know you want to start the meeting now, but it is very early, and most people haven't arrived yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That, as Mr Immelt pointed out in his memo, is a big if: "it is very early in the process, and Congress will now spend months reviewing and drafting legislation".

The Economist

But in its earliest ancestry it is very early indeed, perhaps dating back to the 1st century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is very early days".

The New York Times

But it is very early days.

The Guardian

"It is very early in the discussion," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

It is very early days, we are right behind it".

The Guardian

"It is very early days," said Vodafone this week.

The Guardian - Tech

Of course, it is very early, and the polling data shouldn't be taken too seriously.

The New Yorker

"It is very early," said Rangin Spanta, the national security adviser to Mr. Karzai.

The New York Times

It is very early going, according to executives involved in the new ventures.

The New York Times

It is very early, but Shumpert looks like a capable shooter and a skilled playmaker.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is very early" to manage expectations when discussing ongoing projects or developments. This can prevent premature conclusions or disappointments.

Common error

Avoid using "it is very early" as an excuse to dismiss legitimate concerns or criticisms. Acknowledge potential issues while emphasizing the need for more time to assess the situation fully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is very early" functions as an introductory expression to indicate that a situation, process, or event is in its beginning stages. It's used to temper expectations, prevent premature judgments, or emphasize the need for more time to assess something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Sport

10%

Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is very early" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote the initial phase of a process or event. As Ludwig AI highlights, its primary function is to manage expectations and provide context, cautioning against premature judgments. Commonly found in News & Media, this neutral phrase serves to emphasize the need for further development before drawing definitive conclusions. Remember to use "it is very early" to temper expectations and avoid overstating conclusions, ensuring balanced communication in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's still early days

Emphasizes the initial stage of a situation or process.

it's too soon to say

Highlights the prematurity of making a judgment or conclusion.

it's in its infancy

Compares the situation to the very beginning of life, emphasizing its initial development.

the process has just begun

Focuses on the commencement of a process or activity.

it is premature

Directly states that something is happening before the appropriate time.

it is just the beginning

Indicates that what has happened so far is only the start of something bigger.

we're only scratching the surface

Suggests that only a small part of something has been explored or understood.

the ink is still wet

Implies that something is very new and not yet finalized or fully established.

the dawn of something new

Highlights a new beginning or the start of a significant development.

we are at square one

Indicates a return to the initial stage, often after setbacks or failures.

FAQs

How can I use "it is very early" in a sentence?

You can use "it is very early" to express that a process or activity is in its initial stages, such as, "It is very early in the season, so we can't predict the winner yet."

What's a more concise way to say "it is very early"?

Alternatives include "it is premature" or "it's too soon to tell", which convey a similar meaning with fewer words.

Is it better to say "it is very early" or "it is too early"?

Both phrases are correct, but "it is very early" emphasizes the initial stage, while "it is too early" suggests that something is not yet appropriate or advisable.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is very early days"?

The phrase "it's still early days" is appropriate when referring to the initial phase of an undertaking, implying that it's too soon to draw definitive conclusions.