outset

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'outset' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the beginning of a process or situation. For example, "At the outset of the project, we had to decide what our main objectives were."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And I was very open with journalists, so they didn't try to fill in gaps in the story, which meant a platform of mutual respect was established from the outset," Batty will say.

The Guardian

From the outset international coverage was an important part of the Manchester Guardian.

The Guardian - Opinion

Moments earlier, Morata had nearly lobbed Casillas while at the very outset, the outstanding Arturo Vidal had been narrowly snuffed out by Pepe.

The Guardian - Sport

The litany of brutality, lawlessness and lack of accountability serves as a reminder of what a horrible decision President Obama made at the outset of his administration to close the books on this chapter in our history, even as he repudiated the use of torture.

The Guardian

I should say from the outset I am not a heroin user and I only really began to find out about the Parisian drug scene a few months ago when, with my friend and producer Geoff Bird, I started to write a documentary for Radio 4 called Heroin.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If we had, current procedures would have identified concerns from the outset as this involved potentially identifiable and sensitive information".

The Guardian

However, if the UK and other EU states had ceased some, if not all, of their trading activities since 2004, even if only temporarily to make the point, the hand of the international community at the outset of this crisis could have been strong and effective.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dervis Eroglu, his conservative predecessor, had a hawkish approach that from the outset of his five-year tenure thwarted negotiations.

The Guardian

The Frenchman had a thoroughly unhappy evening: from the outset he was complaining about some of the tackling he received and when Shaw caught him from behind in the 48th minute the notoriously short Gallic fuse was reignited.

The Guardian - Sport

"At the outset, I want to make it clear I have done nothing wrong or dishonest.

The Guardian

Varoufakis, the academic-turned-politician who has set the anti-austerity administration's negotiating agenda from the outset, was rounded on by eurozone finance ministers at an explosive meeting on Friday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outset" to clearly indicate the starting point of a project, discussion, or period, setting the stage for what follows. For example, "At the outset of negotiations, both parties agreed to confidentiality."

Common error

While "outset" is generally suitable for formal and neutral contexts, avoid overusing it in very informal settings where simpler alternatives like "start" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "outset" is as a noun, often used with prepositions like "at" or "from" to indicate the beginning or initial stage of an event, process, or period. Ludwig AI confirms this aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outset" is a noun that refers to the beginning or initial stage of something. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently used in English. It's most commonly found in news and media but can also be used in formal business contexts. To enhance your writing, use "outset" to clearly define the starting point and be mindful of the context to ensure its formality aligns with your overall tone. Alternatives include "start", "beginning", and "inception". Avoid overusing "outset" in informal settings for clearer, more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At the start

Emphasizes a point in time at which something begins, very similar to "outset".

In the beginning

Highlights the initial phase or stage of an event or process.

From the beginning

Indicates a perspective considering the entire duration, starting from the initial point.

Initially

Focuses on the first actions or conditions before subsequent changes.

At first

Implies a sequence where the initial state is contrasted with later developments.

To begin with

Suggests a structured approach to starting a task or discussion.

In its infancy

Describes something that is in a very early stage of development.

At its inception

Stresses the formal start or establishment of something.

From scratch

Focuses on starting without any prior preparation or advantage.

In the preliminary stages

Emphasizes that the effort is in its early and formative phase.

FAQs

How can I use "outset" in a sentence?

You can use "outset" to refer to the beginning or initial stage of something. For example, "From the outset, the project faced numerous challenges."

What are some alternatives to "outset"?

Some alternatives to "outset" include "start", "beginning", and "inception", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at the outset" or "in the outset"?

The correct phrase is "at the outset". The preposition "at" is typically used to indicate a specific point in time or the beginning of an event.

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

"Outset" refers to the beginning or start of something, while "onset" typically refers to the beginning of something unpleasant, such as a disease or problem. For instance, "the outset of the meeting" versus "the onset of the illness."