start of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the beginning of time or the origin of existence in a philosophical, scientific, or literary context. Example: "The universe has been expanding since the start of time, leading to the vast cosmos we see today."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The Hubble is just good enough to see what we're missing at the start of time".

The New York Times - Science

Another clue that astronomers are getting close to the start of time is the blueness of the new Hubble galaxies when the effects of cosmic expansion are taken into account.

The New York Times - Science

The plot is a satire on the Calvinist doctrine of predestination: the belief that God has, since the start of time, preordained the saved - those who will go to Heaven - and those heading for the other place.

The Guardian - Books

In 2010, Sky were castigated for setting up screens at the start of time trials to shield riders from the fans, a practice that was soon abandoned, but which is echoed in the current rumbling controversy over whether the team's leaders should be allowed to gain an advantage by sleeping in vast motor homes rather than taking their chance with the hotels booked by the race organisation.

The Guardian - Sport

S t is the start of time interval t and St+1is the start of time interval t + 1, where C is the perceived waiting time at car park (min).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Then, the cumulative gas produced directly and indirectly from the start of time and until the end of the time step is determined using Eqs.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Where individual EC belong to is determined by the location based on the position of the nucleus at the start of time-lapse imaging.

eLife

The majority (73%) of divisions either: (1) underwent NEB but not NER, (2) were in the midst of dividing at the start of time-lapse, or (3) were in mitosis for the entire 2-h time-lapse.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

The fluorescence changes in GCaMP7a (ΔF/F0) of individual ECs from A are shown as separate graphs (Region 1 3), determining the region to which individual EC belongs by the location based on the position of the nucleus at the start of time-lapse imaging.

eLife

TTP was defined as the time between the active child wish (ie, the start of timed unprotected intercourse) of the couple and conception.

Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal and Neonatal Edition

Nécib played the entire match in regulation time, but was substituted out prior to the start of extra time.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cosmology or theoretical physics, use "start of time" to refer to the earliest moments of the universe's existence.

Common error

Avoid using "start of time" in casual conversation or situations where a simple "beginning" or "start" would suffice. Overusing it can sound pretentious or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start of time" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in sentences related to cosmology, philosophy, or theoretical physics. It refers to the initial moment or origin of existence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start of time" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to the origin of existence, primarily used in scientific and philosophical contexts. While relatively uncommon, it's appropriate for formal discussions about cosmology and theoretical physics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s often interchangeable with phrases like "beginning of time" or "dawn of time", but avoid using it in everyday conversation where simpler alternatives are more fitting. Major authoritative sources include The New York Times and scientific journals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning of time

Replaces "start" with "beginning", emphasizing the initial point.

dawn of time

Uses "dawn" to evoke a sense of beginning or emergence.

genesis of time

Employs "genesis" to denote the origin or creation of time.

outset of time

Substitutes "start" with "outset", indicating the commencement.

inception of time

Replaces "start" with "inception", focusing on the beginning or establishment.

origin of time

Uses "origin" to directly refer to the point from which time originates.

commencement of time

Substitutes "start" with "commencement", indicating the formal beginning.

initial point of time

Emphasizes the concept of an initial point in the context of time.

earliest moment in time

Focuses on the temporal aspect, highlighting the very first moment.

birth of time

Metaphorically uses "birth" to suggest the creation or emergence of time.

FAQs

How can I use "start of time" in a sentence?

You can use "start of time" when discussing the origin of the universe, theoretical physics, or philosophical concepts related to existence. For example, "The universe has been expanding since the "start of time"."

What's a good alternative to "start of time"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "beginning of time", "dawn of time", or "genesis of time".

Is "start of time" a formal expression?

Yes, "start of time" is generally considered a more formal and somewhat philosophical or scientific expression, suitable for academic or technical writing rather than casual conversation.

What is the difference between "start of time" and "beginning of time"?

While similar, "beginning of time" might be perceived as slightly more common and less technical than ""start of time"", but the distinction is subtle and context-dependent.