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
The Maria Full of Grace Oscar nominee, who plays an expert killer in the film directed by Len Wiseman, hurt herself early on — but not because of an elaborate stunt.
—
Eric Andersson, People.com, 6 June 2025
Pope Francis created the commission early on in his pontificate to advise the church on best practices and placed a trusted official, Boston’s then-archbishop, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, in charge.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Among many reasons for the universities’ differing responses: Columbia’s battle with the government came first, so Harvard saw that acquiescing early on did not protect the university from further demands and interference, experts say.
—Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
In my experience, engaging a reputable accounting firm early on is one of the most impactful steps a founder can take.
—Michael Platner, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for early on
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Eric Andersson, People.com, 6 June 2025
Pope Francis created the commission early on in his pontificate to advise the church on best practices and placed a trusted official, Boston’s then-archbishop, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, in charge.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Among many reasons for the universities’ differing responses: Columbia’s battle with the government came first, so Harvard saw that acquiescing early on did not protect the university from further demands and interference, experts say.
—Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
In my experience, engaging a reputable accounting firm early on is one of the most impactful steps a founder can take.
—Michael Platner, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for early on
Cite this Entry
“Early on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/early%20on. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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