an initial consultation

USAGE SUMMARY

"an initial consultation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first meeting between two people (such as a doctor and a patient, lawyer and a client, etc.) in order to discuss a particular matter. For example, "At our initial consultation, the lawyer explained the process for filing a patent application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In February, they met for an initial consultation.

The New York Times

According to his website, an initial consultation at the Berkshire clinic is £300.

The Guardian

The price for an initial consultation with a homeopath can vary from around £20 to £80.

Independent

She and her husband, Michael, were appalled to find lawyers asking $350 just for an initial consultation.

The New York Times

But as an initial consultation on the levy closes on Friday, two leading business groups have expressed scepticism.

The Guardian - Business

The WTO process involves an initial consultation phase between the countries involved, which is supposed to last 60 days.

The Economist

Ms. Alpert said she bought the hangers after a "pre-purge" of her closet and then an initial consultation with Ms. Harwin, who suggested them.

The New York Times

Most stagers charge an initial consultation fee of several hundred dollars, and hundreds or thousands of dollars more to carry out their vision.

The New York Times

Finally, during an initial consultation, a psychologist heard her full story and said the simple phrase that changed everything: "You have P.T.S.D".

The New York Times - Health

The Agora Clinic, (whose prices, I imagined, would be fairly representative) charge £165 for an initial consultation (£55 per fifteen minutes on the phone), and then £395 for freezing, with annual storage fees thereafter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then (or if there isn't a copy available via probate), any reputable lawyer will give you an initial consultation free of charge to let you know what your chances are.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling "an initial consultation", clearly state the purpose and expected duration to set appropriate expectations for both parties involved.

Common error

Avoid using "an initial consultation" when referring to subsequent meetings. Ensure clarity by specifying "follow-up consultation" or "second consultation" for later discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial consultation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the first meeting or discussion to assess a situation or provide professional advice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

26%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an initial consultation" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to the first meeting for assessment or advice. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's frequently used in news, science and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you are referring to the first meeting and clarify the purpose and expectations of the consultation. Alternative phrases include "preliminary meeting" or "introductory session". Being mindful of these points will enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary meeting

Replaces 'consultation' with 'meeting' and 'initial' with 'preliminary', emphasizing the introductory nature.

an introductory session

Focuses on the session aspect, highlighting its role as an introduction.

a first appointment

Emphasizes the scheduling of the consultation as a formal appointment.

a get-acquainted meeting

Highlights the purpose of getting to know each other during the consultation.

a preliminary discussion

Replaces 'consultation' with 'discussion', focusing on the exchange of information.

an exploratory conversation

Emphasizes the exploratory nature of the initial interaction.

a discovery call

Commonly used in business contexts, highlighting the purpose of uncovering needs.

a needs assessment meeting

Focuses on evaluating the client's needs during the consultation.

an intake interview

Common in healthcare settings, referring to the process of gathering information.

a diagnostic assessment

Highlights the diagnostic purpose, particularly in medical or psychological contexts.

FAQs

What is the purpose of "an initial consultation"?

The purpose of "an initial consultation" is to establish a first point of contact, understand needs or problems, and outline potential solutions or next steps. It serves as a preliminary assessment before further engagement.

How much does "an initial consultation" typically cost?

The cost of "an initial consultation" varies widely depending on the profession and service. Some professionals offer it for free, while others charge a fee ranging from a nominal amount to several hundred dollars.

What questions should I ask during "an initial consultation"?

During "an initial consultation", it is helpful to ask about the professional's experience, their approach to solving your specific problem, the estimated cost, and the timeline for the project. You should also clarify what the next steps would be.

What's the difference between "an initial consultation" and "a follow-up meeting"?

"An initial consultation" is the first meeting to assess a situation, while "a follow-up meeting" is a subsequent meeting to discuss progress, make adjustments, or continue with the agreed-upon plan.