a first initiative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first initiative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial step or action taken in a series of initiatives or projects. Example: "The organization launched a first initiative aimed at reducing plastic waste in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A first initiative to find alternative accommodation by June this year for all of the 2,600 deemed able to live in the community ended in what Norman Lamb, care and support minister, admitted was "abject failure".

The Guardian

As a first initiative towards standardisation in the field, the first Surface Realisation Shared Task [12] intended to evaluate English surface realisation systems based on the same input data (abstracted from the WSJ corpus).

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

We welcome their study as a first initiative to identify reasons for discontinuation and possible determinants.

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Although a first initiative was published very recently [ 60], such an instrument is currently lacking.

BMC Pediatrics

The present study represents a first initiative to investigate the use of computer games in the field of Speech-Language and Hearing.

BMC Medical Education

This was a first initiative to use the near miss concept as a tool for assessment of case-mix and adequacy of care received in Obstetrics.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A sixth initiative they financed lost in Massachusetts.

The New York Times

A second initiative is to bring back the traditional rural power structure.

The New York Times

"But there's no reason to add a fifth initiative now".

The New York Times

A third initiative tries to control state spending by a rigid formula, which is usually a mistake.

The Economist

A third initiative, by the Association of American Universities, which represents 62 research universities, aims to present data on student performance and costs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a first initiative" with clear, specific objectives to ensure the reader understands the purpose and intended outcome of the initial action.

Common error

Avoid using "a first initiative" when referring to a one-time, isolated action. This phrase implies there will be subsequent initiatives. If it is a single effort, consider using terms like "the initial action" or "the starting point" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first initiative" functions as a noun phrase, introducing an initial action or plan. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a first initiative" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce an initial action or plan within a larger series of efforts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and is most commonly found in science, news, and business contexts. While not exceedingly common, it is appropriate for formal and neutral registers, highlighting the beginning of a structured endeavor. When employing the phrase, ensure that it logically leads to subsequent initiatives to avoid misleading readers. Consider alternatives like "an initial step" or "a starting point" if a more informal or less structured tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial step

Replaces "initiative" with a simpler term, "step", and "first" with "initial", suggesting a beginning.

a starting point

Uses "starting point" to emphasize the beginning of a process, instead of a structured plan.

the primary action

Replaces "first initiative" with "primary action", focusing on the main action taken.

the first move

Uses the idiom "first move" to convey the idea of starting something, often in a strategic sense.

a pioneering effort

Replaces "first initiative" with "pioneering effort", highlighting innovation and novelty.

an inaugural project

Uses "inaugural project" to suggest a formal beginning, often for a significant undertaking.

the debut endeavor

Employs "debut endeavor" to signify the first attempt at something, emphasizing newness.

the ground-breaking measure

Suggests a significant and innovative start, emphasizing its impact.

a preliminary undertaking

Uses "preliminary undertaking" to indicate an early stage or preparatory activity.

an introductory scheme

Replaces "initiative" with "scheme", implying a plan or system introduced at the beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "a first initiative" in a sentence?

You can use "a first initiative" to introduce the earliest action in a series of planned actions. For example, "A first initiative focused on community outreach, followed by subsequent projects targeting education and job training.".

What is a good alternative to "a first initiative"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a first initiative" include "an initial step", "a starting point", or "the primary action".

Is it correct to say "the first initiative" instead of "a first initiative"?

Both "a first initiative" and "the first initiative" can be correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A first initiative" implies one of several possible first initiatives, while "the first initiative" suggests it is the only or definitive first action.

What's the difference between "a first initiative" and "a second initiative"?

"A first initiative" refers to the initial action in a sequence, whereas "a second initiative" indicates the action that follows the first. They are used to distinguish between different stages of a project or plan.