outset of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outset of time" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used when referring to the beginning or starting point of a specific time period or event. Example: "At the outset of time, the universe began to expand and evolve into what we know today."

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Another set of collagen genes had lower expression at the outset of the time course, but then transcript levels rose coordinately through E12.5 in the MdP, MxP, and FNP.

Plosone

A key practical decision at the outset is the length of time to spend in the zone and the frequency.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For any fixed value of k, known string algorithms support the computation of the distance at the outset in time linear in the input size.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

At the outset of the new film Time Out of Mind, we see Richard Gere squatting in an apartment when the building manager played by Steve Buscemi tells him he can't stay there any more.

The Guardian - Film

The effects of 9-AC on diaphragm force, contraction time, half relaxation time and late relaxation time at the outset of repetitive stimulation are listed in Table 1.

BMC Physiology

"Our ability to project technical superiority and overwhelming force in a short period of time at the outset of the Iraq war was driven by reliance on contractors, who can move very quickly," Schooner says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We spent a ton of time at the outset of the election looking at the historical trends in the battleground universe," Benenson said, adding that they drew on past exit-poll data as well as models produced by the internal analytics team.

Huffington Post

From the outset of Miss Sloane, first-time screenwriter Jonathan Perera establishes Sloane as a fighter with laser-like focus on her prize.

The Guardian - Film

That is, the outcome of interest (eg, time intervals) is unknown at the outset of the study and measured over time, whereas the patient chart provides data that are not attainable from administrative data.

British Journal of Cancer

The effect of Kreb's solution and 9-AC on diaphragm muscle at the outset of repetitive stimulation on peak force, contraction time, half relaxation time, and late relaxation time during 20 Hz and 50 Hz stimulation.

BMC Physiology

The IMF got the correct remedy at the outset of these talks: it's time for so-called official lenders, which would include eurozone countries and the European Central Bank, to accept a haircut on their loans.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you aim for a formal or slightly archaic tone, "outset of time" can be used effectively, especially in philosophical or historical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "outset of time" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "at the start" or "in the beginning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outset of time" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by indicating a point in time. It denotes the very beginning or commencement of temporal existence. Ludwig identifies the phrase as acceptable, though not frequently used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "outset of time" is a grammatically sound but relatively uncommon way to refer to the beginning of time. Ludwig indicates that while acceptable, it is not a frequently used phrase. Its function is to establish a temporal reference, often in formal or scientific contexts. Simpler alternatives such as "beginning of time" or "start of time" may be more appropriate for general use. The phrase is most suited for discussions about origins, creation, or fundamental aspects of existence, and should be used judiciously in informal settings. Analysis of the provided data reveals that the phrase's usage spans across science, news and media, and formal and business domains, suggesting a broad applicability despite its relative infrequency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning of time

Replaces 'outset' with 'beginning', a more common synonym, offering a slightly simpler phrasing.

very beginning of time

Adds emphasis to the initial nature of the point in time.

dawn of time

Uses 'dawn' to convey the start of time, evoking a more poetic and figurative sense of beginning.

start of time

A straightforward and commonly used alternative using 'start' instead of 'outset'.

initial point in time

More formal and technical, emphasizing the specific moment that marks the commencement.

early stage of time

Emphasizes the early phase rather than a specific point in time.

commencement of time

A more formal and less common substitute, suitable for academic or philosophical contexts.

primordial time

Suggests an ancient or original period of time.

inception of time

A relatively uncommon and abstract alternative.

genesis of time

Implies the creation or origin of time itself, with a more profound connotation.

FAQs

What does "outset of time" mean?

The phrase "outset of time" refers to the very beginning or starting point of time itself. It's often used in philosophical or historical contexts.

What can I say instead of "outset of time"?

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

Is "outset of time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "outset of time" is grammatically correct, although it is not as common as other similar phrases. Ludwig AI confirms that it's an acceptable, albeit rare, phrase.

How does "outset of time" differ from "beginning of time"?

While both phrases refer to the start of time, "outset of time" may carry a slightly more formal or archaic connotation compared to the more common "beginning of time".