an initial cut

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial cut" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a preliminary version or assessment of something, such as a document, project, or analysis. Example: "After reviewing the data, we will present an initial cut of the report to the stakeholders for feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

After assembling an initial cut from eight interviews, she added, "we realized our responsibility to be more widely inclusive".

The New York Times

Mr. Martineau said he made an initial cut of 800 images, ultimately focusing on fashion, athletes and dancers, and nudes.

The New York Times

Previously, the large number of documentary submissions had been divided up among viewing committees for an initial cut.

The New York Times

In March, the agency announced an initial cut of sugar, salt and beans to some Darfur residents, but that reduction did not include grain, blended foods or oil, the rations' main sources of calories.

The New York Times

Osborne used the autumn statement to make an initial cut to the North Sea supplementary charge – from 32%to30%0% – but it was widely interpreted as being too little, too late.

The Guardian

Besides the nearly $500 billion in cuts that are supposed to start in January 2013, the budget act that created the supercommittee mandated an initial cut of roughly $450 billion in defense spending, spread over the next decade.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A p-value of 0.05 was used as an initial cut-off for significance.

BMC Cancer

Either nucleotide sequence (BLASTN) or protein sequence (TBLASTN) can be used as query to search all indica cDNAs or any subset of the database, with an initial cut-off E value as 0.01 [ 14].

BMC Plant Biology

An initial cut-off of 2-fold change was used for global analysis of differential gene expression.

BMC Genomics

IMF had pushed the government to start reducing the subsidy earlier to ease its financing requirements for the year, but had not requested a deeper initial cut.

The Guardian

By considering this knowledge, a reasonable initial cut set that close to the optimal solution can be determined.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an initial cut" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being initially cut or assessed. For example, specify "an initial cut of the budget" or "an initial cut of the film".

Common error

While "an initial cut" is generally acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "preliminary version" or "first draft" for variety, especially in formal reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial cut" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a preliminary version or selection, as in "an initial cut of the film" or "an initial cut of sugar".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an initial cut" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a preliminary version or selection. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase appears across diverse fields like news, science, and general writing, indicating its wide acceptance. For more formal communications, consider synonyms like "preliminary version" or "first draft". While its frequency is notable, being mindful of overuse ensures clarity and conciseness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary version

Focuses on the stage of development, highlighting it as a first iteration.

a first draft

Emphasizes the rawness and incompleteness of the version.

an early edition

Suitable when referring to publications or releases.

a starting point

Highlights the beginning phase of a process or project.

a primary selection

Emphasizes the act of choosing from a larger set.

a trial run

Suggests a test or experiment before the final version.

a pilot study

Refers to a small-scale preliminary study conducted to evaluate feasibility.

a tentative assessment

Highlights the provisional and subject-to-change nature of the evaluation.

a baseline evaluation

Stresses the use as a reference point for future comparisons.

an opening bid

Suitable in contexts involving negotiation or competition.

FAQs

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

You can use "an initial cut" to refer to a first version or selection of something, such as "The director presented "an initial cut" of the movie to the studio executives" or "The analysts made "an initial cut" of potential investment opportunities".

What are some alternatives to saying "an initial cut"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a preliminary version", "a first draft", or "an early edition".

Is it correct to use "an initial cut" in academic writing?

Yes, "an initial cut" can be used in academic writing, especially when describing a preliminary analysis or selection process. However, ensure the tone and context are appropriate; more formal synonyms may be preferred in certain cases.

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

"An initial cut" refers to the first version or selection, while "a final cut" signifies the completed and approved version, typically in the context of film or editing.