onset

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'onset' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that typically means the beginning of something, and it can often be used to refer to the start of an illness or a symptom of an illness. For example, "The doctor suspected the onset of sepsis based on her lab results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Libya's boat builders are frustrated because the onset of civil war cut deliveries of timber from Egypt.

The Guardian

Susan Redline, a professor of sleep medicine in Boston, has found links between sleep deprivation and the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety and bipolar depression.

The Guardian

He said G20 leaders and international regulators on the Financial Stability Board were working to resolve the issue of financial institutions that were "too big to fail", a problem which left taxpayers with a huge bill at the onset of the crisis in 2008.

The Guardian - Business

As I've written before, coal's concern for the world's poor is either a sudden onset of benevolence or a cynical ploy to use people's genuine concern over poverty to sell more of their product.

The Guardian

The diet is also viewed by some as a potential way of slowing down the growth of tumours and significantly delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The sudden onset of a conscience had taken the git by surprise.

The Guardian

On the contrary, it does not make sense, and was the reverse of what was needed after the onset of the depression which followed the financial crash of 2008-09.

The Guardian - Business

Here are five Christmas catastrophes about to wreak havoc on your little grey cells: Researchers believe that as many as a third of the UK population suffer from seasonal affective disorder – severe changes in mood with the onset of winter.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Late-onset Alzheimer's, the disease diagnosed at the age of 65 or later, is the most common form, accounting for approximately two-thirds of dementia cases in the UK.

The Guardian

In the case of Ebola for example, AirLink, a humanitarian response organisation which connects NGOs and airlines to respond to rapid-onset disasters, established an air-bridge to fly vital supplies, equipment and personnel into west Africa.

The Guardian

But Julianne Moore is seen as the clear favourite in this category for her role as a neuroscientist with early-onset Alzheimer's in Still Alice.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "onset" to specifically denote the commencement or initial stage of a condition, disease, or event. For example, "the onset of winter" or "the onset of symptoms".

Common error

Avoid using "onset" interchangeably with "outset". "Onset" refers to the beginning of something specific, often a condition or process, while "outset" refers to the very beginning of an endeavor or journey.

Linguistic Context

The noun "onset" primarily functions as a nominal element within sentences, often acting as the subject or object of a verb. It denotes the commencement or initial stage of an event, process, or condition, aligning with Ludwig AI’s analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "onset" functions as a noun signifying the beginning or start of something, often a condition or event. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. The term is frequently employed in news and media, scientific writing, and business contexts. While synonyms like "beginning" or "start" exist, "onset" carries a more specific connotation, particularly in medical or technical fields. When writing, remember that "onset" refers to the commencement of something, while "outset" describes the initial stage of an activity. The term's versatile nature and frequent usage across various domains solidify its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning

Indicates a general start or commencement, lacking the potential medical or forceful connotations of "onset".

start

Similar to "beginning" but can also refer to the act of initiating something, where "onset" typically refers to the time.

commencement

A more formal synonym for "beginning" or "start", often used in official or ceremonial contexts.

outbreak

Specifically refers to the sudden start of something negative, such as a disease or conflict; "onset" can be more general.

emergence

Emphasizes the process of something coming into being or becoming visible.

inception

Refers to the establishment or starting point of an organization or idea.

dawn

Suggests the beginning of a new era or period, often with positive connotations.

initiation

Implies a formal introduction or start, often associated with a process or ritual.

genesis

Refers to the origin or mode of formation of something.

eruption

Suggests a sudden and forceful beginning, especially of something destructive or violent.

FAQs

How is "onset" typically used in medical contexts?

In medicine, "onset" commonly refers to the beginning or first appearance of a disease, symptom, or medical condition. For example, "the "onset of diabetes"" or "the "onset of labor"".

What are some synonyms for "onset" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "beginning", "start", "commencement", or "emergence" instead of "onset".

Is it correct to use "onset" to describe the start of a positive event?

While "onset" is frequently used in the context of diseases or negative events, it can also be used more generally to describe the beginning of any event or period. For instance, "the "onset of spring"" is perfectly acceptable.

What is the difference between "onset" and "outset"?

"Onset" refers to the specific moment or period when something begins, whereas "outset" often describes the initial stage or phase of an activity or project. "Onset" tends to focus on the commencement itself, while "outset" implies a broader starting phase.