an initial bid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial bid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to auctions, negotiations, or proposals where the first offer is being made. Example: "The company submitted an initial bid for the construction project, hoping to secure the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

IAG made an initial bid for Aer Lingus, where Walsh started his aviation career and became chief executive, in December.

The Guardian - Business

Citigroup made an initial bid that would have required the government to cover potentially tens of billions in credit losses.

The New York Times

The third group involved in the auction, Stern Partners, a Canadian investment company, submitted only an initial bid.

The New York Times

Ryanair had an initial bid turned down by the commission in 2007 and dropped a second offer in 2009.

Independent

In the United States, targets can agree to large termination fees and provide extensive deal protections to an initial bid.

The New York Times

As Yahoo's approach sputtered, Google made an initial bid of $3 billion to $4 billion, these people said.

The New York Times

WPP put in an initial bid for Cordiant last Friday that was immediately topped by a rival offer from Publicis and Cerberus.

The New York Times

The authority put an initial bid of $40,000 when it started the auction last Monday, and final bids are due Wednesday.

The New York Times

A major league executive indicated that the Yankees have placed an initial bid on Belle; Steinbrenner said he was aware of no such offer.

The New York Times - Sports

After floating an initial bid of $30 a share on Aug. 1, Google raised its offer price to $37, before settling at $40 a share.

The New York Times

The tone was set from the outset when Mr. Sayre asked for an initial bid of $100,000, which was met with silence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "an initial bid", ensure all terms and conditions are clearly stated to avoid misunderstandings later in the negotiation process.

Common error

Don't treat "an initial bid" as a fixed commitment. It's a starting point that allows for adjustments based on further negotiations or due diligence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial bid" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the first formal offer made in a negotiation or auction. As Ludwig AI suggests, the expression is common and follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

24%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an initial bid" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the first offer in a negotiation or auction. As Ludwig AI indicates, it follows standard grammar rules and is widely used. The phrase is prevalent in news and business contexts, conveying a professional and factual tone. Alternatives include "a first offer" or "a preliminary proposal", offering slight variations in formality. When using "an initial bid", ensure clarity in terms and conditions, and remember that it serves as a starting point for further discussions. The robust presence of the phrase in authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a first offer

Replaces "bid" with the more general term "offer", emphasizing the act of proposing a price.

a preliminary proposal

Uses "proposal" instead of "bid", suggesting a more formal and detailed offer.

an opening tender

Replaces "bid" with "tender", often used in formal bidding processes.

the starting price

Focuses on the price itself rather than the act of bidding.

the original quote

Similar to "starting price", but often used in service industries.

a maiden offer

Uses "maiden" to describe the offer, which could sound more sophisticated.

the first round bid

Emphasizes that it's the first bid of a round, often in auctions.

a baseline bid

Indicates the starting point for further negotiations.

a tentative offer

Highlights the uncertain nature of the first offer.

the kickoff bid

Metaphorically describes the initial bid as the start of a process.

FAQs

How do you use "an initial bid" in a sentence?

You can use "an initial bid" to describe the first offer made in a negotiation, auction, or proposal process. For example: "The company submitted "an initial bid" of $1 million for the project."

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

Alternatives to "an initial bid" include "a first offer", "a preliminary proposal", or "an opening tender", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an initial bid" in formal contexts?

Yes, "an initial bid" is suitable for formal contexts, especially in business negotiations, auctions, and official proposals. Its usage is common and well-understood in such settings.

What's the difference between "an initial bid" and "a final bid"?

"An initial bid" represents the first offer made, while "a final bid" is the last offer, typically after negotiations or multiple rounds of bidding. The final bid is intended as the best and last offer.