I initially called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I initially called" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a first or early attempt to contact someone or to indicate the beginning of a sequence of events. Example: "I initially called to discuss the project details before we scheduled the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I initially called the Web site 'The First Annual Desert Bus for Hope,' but only because I thought it sounded funny," he said.

The New Yorker

But what I initially called out as a turning point had less to do with what RSS did and more to do with what it didn't.

TechCrunch

What's more, the distinction between these two fundamentally different ways of defining evolution the "taxic" vs. the "transformationist" approach (as I initially called them in Eldredge 1979) are seldom acknowledged.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

I initially called this sound hypno-trance but it has become known more commonly as trance.

Vice

"It was his melting clocks that made me take it on, I initially called them Dali clocks.

Vice

Qubit-Built Quilts are what I initially called painterly plans for playborground ball pits of pure operationality all about atomic admin access-privs picturesque.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Mr. Epperson initially called his product Epsicles.

The New York Times

The police initially called it a homicide.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Sarkozy initially called for the development plan in 2007.

The New York Times

She initially called it the Kalso Minus Heel Shoe.

The New York Times - Style

Police initially called Carpenter's injuries life-threatening.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "I initially called", ensure it's clear what you are referring to and why the initial name or contact is relevant to the current context. This helps avoid confusion and adds depth to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "I initially called" if the initial contact or naming has no bearing on the subsequent events or discussion. Irrelevant use of 'initially' can clutter your writing and distract the reader from more pertinent information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I initially called" functions as a declarative statement describing a past action of making an initial contact or giving an original name to something. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts of naming something or contacting someone.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I initially called" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, employed to describe a past action involving an initial contact or naming. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it is suitable across various contexts, especially in news reporting and narratives. Though not very frequent, its use is consistent, particularly when providing background information. Consider alternatives like "I first named it" or "I started by calling it" for slight variations in meaning. Avoid overusing "initially" if the initial action is irrelevant to the broader context to maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the beginning, I called it

Highlights the temporal aspect of the initial naming.

I started by calling it

Emphasizes the beginning of the naming process.

Initially, I referred to it as

Uses "referred to" instead of "called", providing a slightly more descriptive alternative.

I first named it

Focuses on the act of naming something initially, rather than calling.

I preliminarily named it

Highlights that it was named prior to the final naming.

I originally termed it

Uses "termed" instead of "called", implying a more formal designation.

At first, I dubbed it

Substitutes "called" with "dubbed", implying a more informal naming.

I previously designated it

Replaces "called" with "designated", suggesting a more official assignment.

I temporarily called it

Stresses the temporary nature of the initial designation.

I tentatively called it

Adds a sense of hesitation or provisionality to the initial naming.

FAQs

What does "I initially called" mean?

The phrase "I initially called" means that you made a first or early attempt to contact someone or that you used a particular name or designation at the beginning.

What can I say instead of "I initially called"?

You can use alternatives like "I first named it", "I originally termed it", or "I started by calling it" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I initially called" formal or informal?

The phrase "I initially called" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

How do I use "I initially called" in a sentence?

You can use "I initially called" to describe a prior action, such as, "I initially called the company to inquire about their services, but I didn't get a response until the next day."