an initial assessment

USAGE SUMMARY

"an initial assessment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the first evaluation or examination of a situation or problem. Example: "The doctor performed an initial assessment of the patient's condition before ordering further tests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Full of appointments, the first is an initial assessment at 9am.

The Guardian

Officials planned to fly over the peninsula on Wednesday for an initial assessment.

The New York Times

In an initial assessment, the European Patent Office has raised serious concerns as to its validity.

The Guardian - Tech

Following an initial assessment, a spokesman for the Lords standards commissioner said he would hold a formal investigation.

The Guardian

DNA said its reporter had been told that an initial assessment had put the death toll at five people.

The Guardian

According to an initial assessment, he said, the device at the chancellery was identical.

The New York Times

Within the first 30 days back in the United States, an initial assessment must be completed.

The New York Times

At least 35,000 people have fled their homes in central Nigeria to escape ethnic killing, according to an initial assessment by the Red Cross.

The New York Times

This is followed by an initial assessment to gauge how a person feels and identify which service may be most appropriate for them.

The Guardian

It complained to the OECD, whose UK National Contact Point published an initial assessment on 14 February which advised further examination by the UK government.

The Guardian

"The committee will make an initial assessment on 14 July and a full assessment complete with a new forecast will follow in the August inflation report.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of your audience. If your audience prefers concise language, using alternatives like "first review" can be more effective.

Common error

Avoid treating "an initial assessment" as a conclusive judgment. Emphasize its preliminary nature and the possibility of further evaluations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial assessment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the action or process of making a preliminary evaluation or judgment. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an initial assessment" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a preliminary evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. As evidenced by the examples, it appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, denoting the start of an evaluative process. While alternatives like "preliminary evaluation" or "first evaluation" exist, "an initial assessment" provides a clear and widely understood way to communicate the concept of a first look or early judgment. Remember to clarify the subject and purpose of the assessment for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary evaluation

Replaces "initial" with "preliminary", emphasizing the early and tentative nature of the evaluation.

a first evaluation

Uses simpler language to convey the idea of the first assessment done.

a starting evaluation

Focuses on the beginning aspect of the evaluation process.

an early analysis

Substitutes "assessment" with "analysis", highlighting the analytical aspect.

a basic appraisal

Replaces "initial assessment" with a more straightforward and less formal term.

a quick review

Implies a faster and less detailed assessment.

a primary estimation

Highlights that it's the first calculation or judgment.

a surface-level examination

Suggests a less thorough and more superficial assessment.

a cursory inspection

Conveys the idea of a brief and not very detailed examination.

a spot check

Implies a random and quick assessment.

FAQs

What does "an initial assessment" mean?

An "initial assessment" refers to the first evaluation or examination of a situation, problem, or person. It's a preliminary step to gather information and make informed decisions.

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

You can use it to describe the beginning of an evaluation process. For example, "The doctor performed "an initial assessment" of the patient's condition."

What are some alternatives to "an initial assessment"?

Alternatives include "a preliminary evaluation", "a first evaluation", or "an early analysis", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "an initial assessment" and "a final evaluation"?

"An initial assessment" is a preliminary evaluation, while "a final evaluation" is a comprehensive review conducted at the end of a process or period. The initial assessment sets the stage for further analysis, whereas the final evaluation provides a conclusive judgment.