How would you say it?

Hi,
I am looking for a better way to express this "In the early part of this century," for a professional literature review.

I am referring to the early 2000's, but cannot be so specific to offer an exact beginning or end year.

How would you refer to those years?

Thanks in advance for all suggestions!

 

The opening days of the twenty-first century?

Ten years ago?

 

dupe

 

"In the beginning"

 

In the first years of this century. As the 2000's began.

 

At the turn of the millenium?

I guess specifying the year would do no good, would it? I think the decade is called "the aughts," so that might lead you somewhere. If the term isn't well known enough, though, you might not want to use it.

 

Of the above, "at the turn of the millennium" has the nicest ring to it, in my opinion. But I guess it depends on the context of the sentence...

Or, "At the beginning of this century/millennium"...

 

I've always liked the word 'circa' for some reason.

"Several years ago, circa 2003..."