early on

adverb

: at or during an early point or stage
the reasons were obvious early on in the experiment
Using Early on: Usage Guide

This adverb is sometimes objected to in American writing as an obtrusive Briticism. It is a relative newcomer to the language, having arisen in British English around 1928. It seems to have filled a need, however. It came into frequent use in American English in the late 1960s and is now well established on both sides of the Atlantic in both speech and writing.

Examples of early on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Levis was also injured early on in the season when the Titans played the Miami Dolphins. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 This comprehensive approach can help identify potential red flags early on and prevent individuals with destructive tendencies from advancing unchecked. Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 Pugh recalled feeling like she wasn’t represented in the industry early on. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024 There were some goodbyes early on, as Jimmy (Jefferson White), Mia (Eden Brolin) and Travis (Taylor Sheridan) headed back home to the 6666 in Texas, with Teeter (Jen Landon) promising to come down in a week looking for work. William Earl, Variety, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for early on 

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of early on was in 1759

Dictionary Entries Near early on

Cite this Entry

“Early on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/early%20on. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

early on

adverb
: at or during an early point or stage
had decided early on not to accept
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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