outset of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outset of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the beginning of something, usually an event or a process. For example: "At the outset of the project, we ran into a few unexpected obstacles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Listen, boy," Tiffany coos at the outset of "Gee".

The New Yorker

Mr López was arrested at the outset of the protests.

The Economist

Tepid economic growth at the outset of the election season.

The New York Times

I'd had my concerns at the outset, of course.

The Guardian - Books

From the outset of spring training, Howe has emphasized fundamentals.

The New York Times - Sports

The outset of the attack is the most infectious period.

The Guardian

From the outset of his career, his obsessions were evident.

The New York Times - Arts

Glass posts extracts at the outset of each chapter.

The Guardian - Books

Rick to Negan at the outset of the episode.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Music preferences were ascertained at the outset of the study.

Sports Medicine - Open

Irrational behavior is common at the outset of bull markets.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outset of" to clearly indicate the initial stage of a process, event, or project. It provides a formal and direct way to refer to the beginning.

Common error

While "outset of" is correct, avoid using it excessively when simpler alternatives like "beginning of" or "start of" would suffice, especially in informal contexts. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outset of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to specify when something occurs or begins. It indicates the starting point of an event, process, or period. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correctly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outset of" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote the beginning of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples show it's commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. While versatile, remember that it carries a somewhat formal tone, so consider alternatives like "start of" or "beginning of" for more casual situations. Using it effectively involves choosing the right level of formality for your audience and purpose. Avoid overusing the phrase, as simpler options are often clearer and more direct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning of

Replaces "outset" with a more common synonym and simplifies the structure.

start of

Uses a simpler synonym for "outset", making it more accessible.

commencement of

Employs a more formal synonym for "beginning", increasing formality.

initiation of

Uses a synonym that emphasizes the act of starting something.

dawn of

Employs a more metaphorical term suggesting the start of a new era or period.

emergence of

Focuses on the appearance or rise of something from the beginning.

genesis of

A more elevated and literary term for the origin or beginning.

inception of

Highlights the point at which something begins or is created.

kickoff of

An informal term, particularly used for events or projects.

birth of

Implies the creation or start of something entirely new.

FAQs

How can I use "outset of" in a sentence?

The phrase "outset of" is used to indicate the beginning of something. For example, "At the "outset of" the project, we defined our goals."

What's the difference between "outset of" and "beginning of"?

While both phrases refer to the start of something, "outset of" often carries a slightly more formal tone compared to the more general phrase "beginning of".

Are there any synonyms for "outset of" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "start of", "commencement of", or "initiation of" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "outset of" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "outset of" may sound slightly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "start of" or "beginning of" in such contexts.