Mastering "in those early days": A Simple English Grammar Guide

Have you ever wanted to talk about a past time, perhaps when something was just beginning or developing? English offers many ways to express this, and one very useful adverbial phrase is "in those early days". This phrase helps describe a period at the beginning of something, when things were new or unformed. Understanding how to use adverbial phrases like this one naturally will significantly boost your fluency in English. Let’s explore its meaning, grammar rules, and how to use it confidently in your sentences.

Table of Contents

• What Does “in those early days” Mean?
• What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is “in those early days”?
• Example Sentences with “in those early days”
• When and How to Use “in those early days”
• Summary and Practice Tip

What Does “in those early days” Mean?

The adverbial phrase "in those early days" refers to a past period when something began, was new, or was still developing. It describes a time before something became established or changed significantly. You use it to talk about the initial stage of a project, a relationship, a business, or any evolving situation. It modifies verbs or entire clauses by telling us when something happened or when a particular state existed.

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What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is “in those early days”?

The phrase "in those early days" is an adverbial phrase of time. It functions similarly to single adverbs like "then" or "initially," but provides more specific detail about the time.

Its grammatical structure is:

• Preposition: "in"
• Determiner: "those" (demonstrative pronoun acting as a determiner)
• Adjective: "early"
• Noun: "days"

This combination acts as a single unit to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating when an action took place or a state existed. It typically describes a specific, often nostalgic or reflective, past time.

You can place "in those early days" at the beginning or end of a sentence for different emphasis.

Sample sentence patterns:

• Subject + Verb + [in those early days]:
  • Our team faced many challenges in those early days.
• [In those early days], Subject + Verb:
  • In those early days, the internet was very slow.

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Example Sentences with “in those early days”

Let's look at how "in those early days" works in real sentences. These examples show its natural usage and help you understand its context.

• The company was small, and everyone knew each other in those early days.

• In those early days, learning a new language felt overwhelming, but now it’s much easier.

• She made very little money from her art in those early days, but she never gave up.

• Person A: Remember how difficult it was to set up our website?

• Person B: Oh, yes! In those early days, we spent countless nights troubleshooting everything.

• Person A: Did your band always play such big venues?

• Person B: No, not at all. In those early days, we only played in small clubs with just a few friends in the audience.

More: Mastering 'In Those Days': English Grammar Guide for ESL Learners

When and How to Use “in those early days”

The phrase "in those early days" is versatile and can be used in various contexts, often when you are reflecting on a past period of origin or growth. It's suitable for both formal and informal situations, making it a valuable addition to your English vocabulary. Understanding the concept of 'early days' as the beginning period of something is key to mastering this phrase. As Merriam-Webster defines it, 'early days' refers to 'the period of time at or near the beginning of something'.

Typical Use Cases:

• Storytelling and Memoirs: When recounting the beginning of a personal journey, a business, or an historical event. "My grandmother started her bakery with just one oven in those early days."
• Business and Project Updates: Describing the initial phase of a project or company development. "Product testing was very basic in those early days."
• Reflecting on Change: Highlighting how much something has changed from its beginning. "The city looked so different in those early days."

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Incorrect Preposition: Always use "in." Don't say "at those early days" or "on those early days."
• Singular Noun: "Days" is plural. Do not say "in those early day."
• Misplacing the Phrase: While it can go at the beginning or end, avoid placing it awkwardly in the middle of a subject and verb, unless it's part of a more complex clause structure.
• Lack of Context: Ensure the "early days" refers to something specific that has been mentioned or is clear from context.

While "in those early days" is quite specific, related phrases like "at the beginning," "initially," "at first," or "in the initial stages" can sometimes be used as alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey. However, "in those early days" often carries a sense of looking back at a foundational period.

Summary and Practice Tip

The adverbial phrase "in those early days" is a powerful tool for describing past beginnings and initial stages. It’s an adverbial phrase of time, always starting with "in," and it helps modify verbs or entire sentences by telling us when something occurred. Remembering its structure and typical placements will help you use it with confidence.

Now it's your turn to practice! Think about something you started in the past—a new hobby, a project, a friendship, or even learning English. Write one sentence describing what it was like "in those early days." Share your sentence with a friend or a language partner, or simply write it down. The more you use new phrases, the more natural they become! For more helpful English grammar tips and to improve your ESL writing, explore our other articles.