we are in the early stages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are in the early stages" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a project, process, or situation is just beginning and has not yet progressed significantly. Example: "As we develop this new software, it's important to remember that we are in the early stages and many changes may still occur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"No, because we are in the early stages of this.

The New York Times

As Mr. Rumsfeld put it, "We are in the early stages of ongoing combat operations".

The New York Times

It is still possible that we are in the early stages of a painful, extended decline.

The New York Times

"We are in the early stages of the credit cycle," Mr. Thompson said.

The New York Times

"We are in the early stages," says guard Stefan Schürmann, left, of the prison's deradicalization efforts.

The Washington Post

"We believe the recovery is real, and we are in the early stages of the rebound".

The New York Times

"We are in the early stages of consulting with Japan and our other allies.

The New York Times

So we are in the early stages of a break-up.

Independent

"We are in the early stages of transformation," Ms. Anderson said.

The New York Times

I understand people want answers, but I must stress we are in the early stages of investigations.

The Guardian

We are in the early stages of an unprecedented threat to the health of the human species.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are in the early stages" to manage expectations when communicating about projects or initiatives that are still developing. This phrase helps to convey that significant progress is yet to be made and adjustments are likely.

Common error

Avoid using "we are in the early stages" to downplay delays or lack of results when significant time has already passed. Be honest about the project's current state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are in the early stages" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating the current state of a process or project. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. It serves to manage expectations and provide context regarding the level of progress achieved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are in the early stages" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something is just beginning. According to Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, be mindful of setting realistic expectations and avoid overstating progress. Alternatives such as "we are just starting out" or "we are at the beginning" can be used depending on the context to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are at the beginning

Focuses on the starting point of something.

we are in the initial phase

Uses formal language to indicate the commencement of a project or process.

we are just starting out

Emphasizes the newness of the endeavor.

we are in the infancy

Implies the project is new and still developing, like a baby.

we are in the preliminary stage

Highlights the preparatory nature of the current phase.

we are kicking off

An idiomatic expression indicating the start of something.

we are getting off the ground

Focuses on overcoming initial inertia and starting to move forward.

we are laying the foundation

Highlights the fundamental work being done at the start.

we are taking the first steps

Emphasizes the initial actions being taken.

we are embarking on

Highlights the commencement of a journey or endeavor.

FAQs

What does "we are in the early stages" mean?

It means that a process, project, or situation is just beginning and is still in its initial phase of development.

How can I use "we are in the early stages" in a sentence?

You can use it to set expectations, explain the current state of a project, or indicate that significant progress is still to come. For example, "We are in the early stages of developing the new software, so there may be some bugs."

What can I say instead of "we are in the early stages"?

You can use alternatives like "we are just starting out", "we are at the beginning", or "we are in the initial phase depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "we are in the early stages" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal writing, you might consider using a more precise or sophisticated alternative like "we are in the initial phase" or "we are in the preliminary stage".