the dawn of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the dawn of something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to signify the beginning or emergence of a new idea, era, or development. Example: "We are witnessing the dawn of a new technological age." Alternative expressions include "the beginning of" and "the emergence of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

TechCrunch

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The revolution the world witnessed Friday, the toppling of President Hosni Mubarak, may herald the dawn of something else.

The New York Times

If Olivier Theyskens's clothes seem the dawn of something new, it is precisely because they lack an air of prescription.

The New York Times

But even with these dealbreakers buzzing like irritated bees around my head in the Florida sun, even with the latency and out-of-sync whatever, even still the magic of tapping into the network from an iPhone 5 and an aging Tricaster adds up to the dawn of something previously thought impossible.

TechCrunch

This shift in priorities could signal the dawn of something new in the Fourth Estate.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Lewis's trainer, Emanuel Steward, did wonder if Saturday's fight wasn't the dawning of something new.

The New York Times - Sports

Starting a paper with "Since the dawn of humanity…," or something similar, is a bit generic and often overdone.

WikiHow

So the researchers knew they could not be looking at remnants from the dawn of the solar system: something must have happened very recently in geological time.

The Guardian

On the other hand, many African Anglicans love the idea of an episcopate that goes back to the dawn of the Christian era, something the Pentecostalists can't provide.

The Economist

Bags haven't changed much since the dawn of time: you hollow something out and put stuff into it.

TechCrunch

'There's no excitement and mystery - people sneaking out and going to these forbidden concerts by Elvis Presley or Jimi Hendrix.' Danger is an overly mythologised quality in pop, but at the dawn of that decade Prince embodied something so thrilling and so category-smashing that within five years he'd all but turned pop on its head.

The Guardian - Music

Something about the dawn of celebrity culture.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the dawn of something" to evoke a sense of optimism and potential associated with new beginnings or transformative events.

Common error

Avoid using "the dawn of something" in overly dramatic or cliché contexts where it loses its impact. Opt for more specific and nuanced language to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the dawn of something" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It signifies the commencement or initial stage of a new development, era, or phenomenon. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

TechCrunch

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the dawn of something" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote the commencement of a new era or significant development. While not extremely common, its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and TechCrunch, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, indicates its acceptability in formal and professional contexts. Related phrases such as "the start of something" and "the emergence of something" can offer nuanced alternatives. Remember to wield this phrase judiciously, avoiding clichés for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the start of something

Focuses on the commencement or initiation point.

the dawning of a new era

Specifies the beginning of a period marked by distinct characteristics.

the genesis of something

Emphasizes the origin or creation of something.

the advent of something

Highlights the arrival or coming of something noteworthy.

the emergence of something

Stresses the process of something becoming visible or known.

the inception of something

Focuses on the formal beginning or establishment of something.

the rise of something

Suggests an increase in power, influence or prevalence.

the unfolding of something

Implies a gradual revelation or development.

the birth of something

Conveys a sense of creation or origination.

the threshold of something

Highlights being at the verge of a new experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "the dawn of something" to describe the beginning of a new era, idea, or significant development. For example, "This discovery marks the dawn of a new era in medicine".

What are some alternatives to "the dawn of something"?

Alternatives include "the start of something", "the genesis of something", or "the emergence of something", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "the dawn of something" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing significant shifts or beginnings. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What is the difference between "the dawn of something" and "the beginning of something"?

"The dawn of something" often implies a more transformative or significant beginning, carrying a sense of hope or anticipation, while "the beginning of something" is a more general term for the start of anything.