1
Mark process beginning
Locate a condition at the start of an extended activity.
Example
At the outset of the trial, both groups were similar.
at the outset
/ət ði ˈaʊtsɛt/ · at thee OWT-setsequence phrase
At the beginning of an event, process, or period.
Use at the outset to signal this exact relationship between ideas: at the beginning of an event, process, or period.
What at the outset Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
State initial terms
Identify what was established before work proceeded.
Example
The criteria were defined at the outset.
3
Contrast later development
Set an initial state against subsequent change.
Example
The alliance seemed stable at the outset but soon fragmented.
Use at the outset Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
At the outset of the trial, both groups were similar.
The criteria were defined at the outset.
The alliance seemed stable at the outset but soon fragmented.
Precision Matters
At the outset overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
at the outset
vs.Signals at the beginning of an event, process, or period.
at first
Means initially; during the earliest stage before a later change.
at the outset
vs.Signals at the beginning of an event, process, or period.
initially
Means at the beginning.
at the outset
vs.Signals at the beginning of an event, process, or period.
eventually
Means in the end after a period of change.
at the outset
vs.Signals at the beginning of an event, process, or period.
as a result
Means because of what preceded; introduces a consequence.
Test at the outset in Context
The criteria were established at the beginning of the process.
1
The researchers defined every exclusion criterion ___, before examining any results.