usher in

USAGE SUMMARY

"usher in" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English, and is commonly used in news articles, editorials, and other types of non-fiction writing.
It means to introduce, usually in a ceremonious way. For example, you could say "The new mayor ushered in a period of reform with her first speech".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Might he usher in big changes?

The Economist

Usher in the era of responsibility.

The New York Times

They usher in fears about nuclear proliferation.

The New York Times - Arts

A Fire Monkey Can Usher In Chaos.

The New York Times

-- Will Mnangagwa usher in a new democracy?...".. November 23, 2017.

Columbia University

The earthquake could usher in such a boom in Haiti.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He ushered in free agency.

The New Yorker

This ushered in Bell.

The Guardian - Sport

How, then, was Herzog ushered in?

The New Yorker

Star Wars ushered in the blockbuster era.

The Guardian - Film

The labels ushered in a snobbish divisiveness.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "usher in" when you want to emphasize the importance or ceremonial nature of introducing something new. It's best suited for significant events, periods, or ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "usher in" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday situations; opt for simpler alternatives like "start" or "begin".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usher in" primarily functions as a verb phrase, acting as a transitive verb. It signifies the act of introducing or heralding something new, often implying a significant or transformative change. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in this manner.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "usher in" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to signify the introduction of something new or the commencement of a new period. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for more formal contexts, like news reporting or academic writing, where the significance of the introduction is to be emphasized. While versatile, it's best to avoid this phrase in informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives. The primary purpose of "usher in" is to highlight the importance of change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introduce

A general term for bringing something new into use or existence.

inaugurate

Implies a formal or ceremonial beginning.

initiate

More formal and implies a deliberate, planned commencement.

launch

Suggests a public or high-profile beginning.

commence

A more formal synonym for begin, often used in official contexts.

set in motion

Suggests a process has been started.

kick off

Informal, suggesting an energetic or lively beginning.

start

Basic and widely applicable, but lacks the nuance of "usher in".

trigger

Implies a reaction or chain of events is started.

unleash

Implies the release of something powerful or uncontrolled.

FAQs

What does "usher in" mean?

The phrase "usher in" means to introduce or herald something new, often with a sense of importance or ceremony. It implies the beginning of a new era, period, or development.

How can I use "usher in" in a sentence?

You can use "usher in" to describe the start of a new period or the introduction of a new idea. For example, "The new technology will "introduce" significant changes to the industry".

What are some alternatives to "usher in"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "initiate", "introduce", "inaugurate", or "commence". The best choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "usher in" formal or informal?

"Usher in" is generally considered a somewhat formal phrase, suitable for news articles, academic papers, or other serious writing. It's less appropriate for casual conversation; in informal settings, simpler alternatives like "start" or "begin" may be more fitting.