The initial method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "The initial method" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the first approach or technique used in a process or study. Example: "In our research, we found that the initial method provided the most accurate results before we explored alternative techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The initial method development was conducted on pure drug using working standards solution protected from light.

Chemistry Central Journal

The initial method of measuring SPF was by measuring the tritiated thymidine (HTdR) labelling index (LI) [ 7].

Breast Cancer Research

The initial method described previously by Johnson et al. used a 1000 μL, 0.2000 M NaBiEDTA aqueous solution to form the gradient and deionized water (DI H2O) as a layering medium for separation of the chylomicrometers and TRLs that are less dense than 1.00 g/mL from the denser VLDL and TRLs.

Analytical Chemistry

A: The initial method intended is via Ethernet connection through a FIOS telephone line (e.g. a Verizon broadband connection).

TechCrunch

CT is usually the initial method for staging of the mediastinal nodes.

Insights into Imaging

By setting and to one, the results tend to the one of the initial method.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The initial methods are due to Henkin [17, 18] and Ramirez [33]; a later approach is in Kerzman Stein [21], which is the one we adopt here.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

SMS drafted the initial methods section.

BMC Family Practice

The initial methods were directed to the most obvious and pressing problem areas using the most readily available data.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

MOHCA is a promising approach, but the initial methods to find the damaged nucleotides were tedious and required specialized equipment.

eLife

The initial methods predicted secondary structure from single sequences and were based on approaches like thermodynamic folding [ 5, 6] and probabilistic modelling [ 7].

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence of actions or procedures, use "the initial method" to clearly indicate the starting point.

Common error

Avoid using "the initial method" when you mean it's the only method. "Initial" indicates the first in a series, not necessarily the exclusive approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the initial method" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific approach or technique used at the beginning of a process. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

News & Media

11%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the initial method" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, especially in scientific and technical writing. It designates the starting approach or technique in a given process. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity. While versatile, it's crucial to distinguish it from the only method used. Consider alternatives like "the starting method" or "the primary method" for nuanced contexts. Understanding its function and typical contexts ensures effective communication, particularly in professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The starting method

Replaces "initial" with "starting", emphasizing the commencement aspect.

The primary method

Substitutes "initial" with "primary", highlighting its importance as the main approach.

The original method

Uses "original" instead of "initial", focusing on its precedence.

The first method

Replaces "initial" with "first", simply indicating the order of implementation.

The introductory method

Uses "introductory" to suggest the method serves as an introduction or beginning.

The preliminary method

Replaces "initial" with "preliminary", suggesting it's a preparatory step.

The opening method

Uses "opening" to indicate the method that begins a process or procedure.

The baseline method

Replaces "initial" with "baseline", particularly suitable in contexts comparing against future changes.

The pilot method

Uses "pilot" to suggest an experimental or trial phase.

The nascent method

Replaces "initial" with "nascent" referring to a method that is just coming into existence and beginning to show potential.

FAQs

How can I use "The initial method" in a sentence?

Use "The initial method" to specify the first approach used in a process. For example, "The initial method for data collection involved surveys, but we later used interviews."

What are some alternatives to "The initial method"?

You can use alternatives like "the starting method", "the primary method", or "the original method" depending on the specific context.

Is "the initial method" formal or informal?

"The initial method" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it's most commonly found in scientific, technical, and professional writing.

What's the difference between "the initial method" and "the final method"?

"The initial method" refers to the first method used, while "the final method" refers to the last method employed in a sequence or process.