the dawn of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the dawn of' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the beginning of a new era, and typically precedes a noun or verb. For example: At the dawn of the new millennium, humanity was filled with hope for the future.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Winter King: The Dawn of Tudor England.

The Economist

This was 1981, the dawn of Reagan.

The New Yorker

The dawn of time?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Dawn of a Tomorrow.

Columbia University

Behold: the dawn of the merbot.

Stanford University

It's the dawn of a new day.

The Guardian

Something about the dawn of celebrity culture.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Ukraine is the dawn of Russia.

The Guardian

Surgical instruments have been manufactured since the dawn of humankind.

Plastics in Medical Devices PROPERTIES, REQUIREMENTS, AND APPLICATIONS

Since the dawn of medicine, patient care has been reactive.

Stanford University

The Dawn of Digital Music at MIT in the 1960s.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the dawn of" to mark the start of significant periods, movements, or technological advancements. It adds a touch of historical perspective and importance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the dawn of" in overly casual or mundane situations. This phrase carries a sense of historical significance, so reserve it for events or developments with broader implications to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the dawn of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, specifically acting as an adjectival phrase that describes the commencement of something. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase describes the beginning of a new era.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the dawn of" is a widely used phrase that marks the beginning of new eras, significant developments, or transformative events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase modifier, adding a sense of historical significance. While it’s versatile enough for various contexts, from formal to neutral, it's best reserved for situations where the beginning has a broader impact. The phrase frequently appears in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications, as shown by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig. When a more straightforward term is needed, consider alternatives like "the start of" or "the beginning of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the dawning of

Using "dawning" emphasizes a gradual realization or unfolding, similar to the original phrase but with a slight shift in focus.

the start of

This alternative replaces "dawn" with "start", offering a more straightforward and common way to express the beginning of something.

the beginning of

Similar to "the start of", this option uses "beginning" for a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the core meaning.

the inception of

This phrase employs "inception" to convey a more formal and often more significant start, particularly for ideas or projects.

the emergence of

Using "emergence" suggests a gradual coming into being, suitable for describing trends or developments that arise over time.

the rise of

This alternative, "the rise of", emphasizes the ascent or growing prominence of something.

the genesis of

By using "genesis", this phrase implies the origin or creation point of something, giving a sense of fundamental beginning.

the outset of

The phrase "the outset of" is more specific to an initial stage or point in time, suitable for describing immediate beginnings.

the kickoff of

Substituting for kickoff gives a more informal and dynamic tone, suitable for initiating events or projects.

the inauguration of

This alternative implies a formal commencement or introduction, often associated with official positions or systems.

FAQs

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

You can use "the dawn of" to describe the beginning of a new era, movement, or significant development. For example, "the dawn of the internet" marked a significant shift in global communication.

What are some alternatives to "the dawn of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the start of", "the beginning of", or "the emergence of".

Is it appropriate to use "the dawn of" in formal writing?

Yes, "the dawn of" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing historical or significant events. It adds a sense of importance and historical context.

What's the difference between "the dawn of" and "the start of"?

"The dawn of" often implies a more significant or transformative beginning, whereas "the start of" is a more general term for any beginning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.