outset of the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outset of the" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the beginning or initial stage of something. Example: "At the outset of the project, we established clear goals and objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The outset of the attack is the most infectious period.

The Guardian

Rick to Negan at the outset of the episode.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Potential growth has fallen significantly since the outset of the crisis," it said.

The New York Times

An incident at the outset of the occupation was a sign of future tensions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the outset of the Cuban revolution, Benítez Rojo worked in the Ministry of Labour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the outset of the campaign, the odds against them looked long.

The New Yorker

Some of the crises were predictable from the outset of the post-Communist era.

The New Yorker

We have made this clear from the outset of the negotiations".

Independent

"Good luck with that, huh?" Freeman had said at the outset of the contest.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outset of the" when you want to emphasize the initial phase or starting point of an event, project, or period. It adds a slightly more formal tone than "beginning of the" or "start of the".

Common error

While "outset of the" is a perfectly acceptable phrase, avoid using it excessively in informal writing. Overusing formal vocabulary can make your writing sound stilted. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "start of the" or "beginning of the" often suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outset of the" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or noun phrase. It indicates the temporal location or starting point of an event or process, as demonstrated by Ludwig with examples like "At the "outset of the" campaign, the odds against them looked long."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outset of the" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that denotes the beginning or initial stage of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and widespread application across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While slightly more formal than alternatives like "beginning of the" or "start of the", it is generally appropriate for neutral to formal writing. Employ it when emphasizing the commencement of an event or period, but avoid overuse in casual writing to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning of the

Replaces "outset" with "beginning", a more common and straightforward term for the start.

start of the

Substitutes "outset" with "start", another simple and widely understood alternative.

commencement of the

Uses a more formal term, "commencement", for "outset", suitable for academic or official contexts.

inception of the

Replaces "outset" with "inception", emphasizing the initial creation or establishment of something.

initiation of the

Uses "initiation" instead of "outset", highlighting the act of starting or setting something in motion.

dawn of the

Employs a more figurative term, "dawn", to indicate the beginning of a new era or period.

emergence of the

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

genesis of the

Uses "genesis" to refer to the origin or mode of formation of something.

opening of the

Highlights the act of something opening or becoming available at its beginning.

birth of the

Suggests the creation of something new, like an idea or organization.

FAQs

What does "outset of the" mean?

The phrase "outset of the" refers to the very beginning or initial stage of something, such as a project, event, or period. It is synonymous with "beginning of the" or "start of the".

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

You can use "outset of the" to describe the initial phase of an activity. For example: "At the "outset of the" project, we established clear goals." or "The challenges were evident from the "outset of the" negotiations."

What are some alternatives to "outset of the"?

You can use alternatives like "beginning of the", "start of the", or "commencement of the" depending on the context.

Is "outset of the" formal or informal?

"Outset of the" is considered slightly more formal than "beginning of the" or "start of the". Choose the best phrase based on your desired tone.