an initial analysis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial analysis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the first examination or evaluation of a subject, data, or situation. Example: "The report includes an initial analysis of the survey results, highlighting key trends and insights."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An American intelligence official said that an initial analysis confirmed that the voice on the tape was Mr. bin Laden's.

The New York Times

Mr. Koch had conducted an initial analysis to determine how much creditors would recover if G.M. were to liquidate.

The New York Times

Portable field sensors can screen air samplings and give an initial analysis within 15 minutes, he said.

The New York Times

After an initial analysis is completed here, the samples are to be taken in air-tight containers to the United States for further study and a final assessment.

The New York Times

A senior Iraqi intelligence official said that after an initial analysis the man in the video was believed to indeed be al-Baghdadi.

The Guardian

He said "an initial analysis of the changes by Hacked Off indicated that there are two substantive improvements in the code and eight weakenings".

The Guardian

After an initial analysis of the flight data from the test on Sunday, the South Korean military also identified the missile as a Pukguksong-2.

The New York Times

Scientists have since gone to work sequencing their DNA, and an initial analysis of a portion of their genomes will be released today.

MIT Technology Review

This is only an initial analysis, because it doesn't take into account any local variations, but it is very interesting.

The Guardian

Regardless, the company said that an initial analysis attributed the problem to an expired software certificate on the affected equipment.

TechCrunch

Government researchers completed an initial analysis of the skeleton in 1998.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting results from "an initial analysis", clearly state its scope and limitations to avoid overstating conclusions.

Common error

Avoid presenting the findings of "an initial analysis" as definitive. Emphasize that further investigation is needed to confirm preliminary results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial analysis" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the first or preliminary examination of something, setting the stage for further investigation. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is widely used in academic papers, news articles, and business reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an initial analysis" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a preliminary examination or evaluation. Ludwig AI indicates that it appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a formal register. When using this phrase, remember to clearly state the scope and limitations of your analysis and avoid overstating conclusions. Consider alternatives like "a preliminary assessment" or "a first evaluation" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary assessment

Replaces "analysis" with "assessment", suggesting a broader evaluation.

an early examination

Focuses on the timing of the analysis rather than its depth.

a first evaluation

Uses simpler language emphasizing the sequence of analysis.

a starting evaluation

Similar to "first evaluation" but emphasizes initiation.

a formative evaluation

Focuses on using the analysis to shape future work.

a cursory investigation

Implies a brief and often superficial examination.

a basic exploration

Implies a more introductory and less detailed examination.

a surface-level review

Highlights the limited depth of the analysis.

a pilot study

Refers to a small-scale preliminary study.

a quick look

Suggests a very brief and informal examination.

FAQs

How can I use "an initial analysis" in a sentence?

"An initial analysis" is often used to describe a preliminary examination of data or a situation. For example, "An initial analysis of the market data suggests a growing demand for sustainable products."

What's a good alternative to "an initial analysis"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a preliminary assessment", "a first evaluation", or "a starting evaluation".

Is it correct to say "a initial analysis" instead of "an initial analysis"?

No, it's grammatically incorrect. "Initial" begins with a vowel sound, so it requires the indefinite article "an" rather than "a". The correct phrase is "an initial analysis".

What is the purpose of conducting "an initial analysis"?

"An initial analysis" helps to identify key trends, patterns, or issues in a dataset or situation. It provides a starting point for further, more in-depth investigation.