Meaning & use
inception of something
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Meanings
phrasefixed phraseformal
the time or event when something such as an organization, system, or idea first begins
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase: 'the inception of the company'. Often follows 'since', 'at', or 'from'.
Patterns
- the inception of something
- since the inception of something
- at the inception of something
Since the inception of the program, thousands of students have received free tutoring.
The committee has met regularly since the inception of the project in 2019.
At the inception of the new law, many businesses were unsure how to comply.
phrasefixed phraseformal
the beginning or origin of a process, period, or activity
Grammar: Used in more formal or technical writing about the start of a process, not usually for everyday events.
Patterns
- from the inception of something
- mark the inception of something
The invention of the printing press marked the inception of mass communication.
From its inception, the movement attracted both support and criticism.
Common combinations
- since the inception of
- The policy has been controversial since its inception.
- at the inception of
- At the inception of the study, no one expected such clear results.
- from the inception of
- From the inception of the company, she served as chief engineer.
- the inception of the project
- The inception of the project required careful planning.
Synonyms and how they differ
- beginning
- More general and less formal; use 'beginning' for everyday starts, while 'inception' is for formal or official starts.
- start
- Common in speech and writing; 'start' is more neutral, whereas 'inception' sounds formal and often refers to institutions or long processes.
- origin
- Focuses on the source or cause rather than the time of starting; 'inception' emphasizes the first moment something exists.
- outset
- Means the very beginning of an event or period; 'outset' is often used in phrases like 'at the outset', while 'inception' is used with 'of'.
Opposites
Word family
- inceptive adjective
- Formal or technical: relating to the beginning of something.
- inception noun
- The start of an organization, project, or idea; the base noun without 'of something'.
Commonly confused: inception of something or inception? inception of something or inception (film)?
inception of something vs inception
The noun alone means 'beginning'; 'inception of something' adds the specific thing that begins. Do not confuse with 'exception', which means something excluded.
inception of something vs inception (film)
The 2010 film 'Inception' is a proper noun; the common noun 'inception' has no connection to dreams.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence using 'inception of something'.
Choose one answer.
'Inception of something' is used for the start of an official or formal thing like a policy. Option 1 uses 'inception' for a race, which is too physical and informal; option 2 uses 'at' incorrectly with a person; option 3 uses 'inception' for reading a book, which is not a formal start.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “inception of something”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.