Initially

USAGE SUMMARY

"initially" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate something that happened or existed at the start or beginning of something else. For example: "Initially, I had wanted to go on holiday, but I changed my mind at the last minute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Dalny Vostok was built in what is now Ukraine in 1989 and was initially operated by the Soviet fishing ministry.

The Guardian

Initially, the hospital said the CQC concerns related to the large number of patients entering the hospital through A&E.

The Guardian

You might initially assume it would be occupied by Danny Alexander, the sensationally overpromoted former press officer for the Cairngorms National Park, whose role appears to be to spout unintelligible cobblers with bewildering enthusiasm.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He says he was informed this month that the club wanted to reduce the salary and were offering a shorter-term than initially agreed when he joined the club.

The Guardian - Sport

Initially he was posted to Japan, then Hawaii.

The Guardian

As the results came in, initially I experienced an enormous sense of relief because I hadn't realised how tense the idea of a Labour-SNP coalition had made me.

The Guardian - Opinion

That sent the Swiss franc soaring once again – it initially leapt an unprecedented 30% against the euro.

The Guardian - Money

The case was initially dropped after an official medical report claimed that Sohair had been treated for genital warts, and that she died from an allergic reaction to penicillin.

The Guardian

Alison Saunders, chief crown prosecutor for CPS London, said: "We have carefully considered the evidence gathered by the Metropolitan police service as part of Operation Yewtree in relation to Rolf Harris, who was initially arrested on 29 November 2012 over allegations of sexual offences.

The Guardian

The consequences, if Murphy's victory is less convincing than initially expected, are unclear.

The Guardian

Some initially accused us of dumbing everything down but I'm pleased to say it proved the opposite, it actually led people to look afresh".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initially" to clearly signal the starting point of a process, situation, or opinion, especially when contrasting it with a later development or change.

Common error

Avoid using "initially" when you mean "finally". "Initially" indicates the beginning, while "finally" indicates the end. Using them interchangeably will confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "initially" functions as a temporal marker, indicating the state or action at the start of an event, process, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage to set a chronological context. For instance, "Initially, I found city life incredibly difficult".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initially" is a very common adverb used to indicate the beginning of an event, process, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it functions primarily as a temporal marker to establish a sequence or contrast. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and carries a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. Remember to use "initially" to clearly signal a starting point and avoid confusing it with "finally". Alternatives like "at first" or "originally" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At first

Indicates the beginning of a situation or process, similar to "initially" but with a slightly more informal tone.

To begin with

Emphasizes the commencement of a sequence or argument, similar to "initially" in marking a starting point.

In the beginning

Highlights the very start of something, closely mirroring the meaning of "initially".

Originally

Signifies the initial state or form of something, like "initially", but also carries a sense of change over time.

Primarily

Points to the main or most important factor at the start, sharing the sense of priority with "initially".

At the outset

Highlights the commencement of an endeavor, slightly more formal than "initially".

First of all

Used to introduce the first point in a list or series, similar to "initially" in marking the start.

To start with

Indicates the commencement of a task or discussion, comparable to "initially" in setting the stage.

In the first instance

Signifies the very first occurrence or example, similar to "initially" in specifying the beginning.

In essence

Highlights the fundamental nature at the start, capturing the core aspect similar to "initially" focusing on the beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "initially" in a sentence?

You can use "initially" to indicate something was true or planned at the beginning, but later changed. For example, "Initially I thought it would be difficult, but it turned out to be easy".

What are some alternatives to the word "initially"?

Some alternatives to "initially" include "at first", "originally", or "to begin with". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "initially, I was thinking" or "at first, I was thinking"?

Both "initially, I was thinking" and "at first, I was thinking" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them depends on stylistic preference, with "initially" being slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "initially" and "immediately"?

"Initially" refers to the very beginning of something, while "immediately" refers to something happening without any delay. For example, "Initially I planned to stay for a week, but I "immediately realized" I needed more time".