an initial design

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial design" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the first version or draft of a design concept in various contexts, such as architecture, product development, or graphic design. Example: "The team presented an initial design for the new app, which included several innovative features."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It starts from an initial design, then RFA leads the designer through a detailed assessment towards an improved design according to previous experiences.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The tender document for an initial design of a pedestrian footbridge had not even been published.

The Guardian - Arts

The Obama administration is widely expected to notify Congress over the next several months about the sale of arms promised by the Bush administration, including military helicopters, parts of a missile defense package and an initial design study for diesel submarines.

The New York Times

This week, we'll look at detail aerodynamic work and refining and improving an initial design.

BBC

Starting from an initial design, a dynamic model is developed.

Applied Thermal Engineering

This proposal, as the previous one, is an initial design that needs further analysis.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

All such procedures begin with an initial design followed by numerous iterations, until convergence takes place.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering (IJASE)

Additionally, an initial design study of the platform and targets accessible within 20 lunar distances are presented.

Advances in Space Research

The design process usually involves modifications of an initial design solution.

Computer-Aided Design

The design process usually implies modifications of an initial design solution.

Advances in Engineering Software

These optimal parameters can be employed to establish an initial design for the SMA-damper.

Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing design processes, specify the purpose of the "an initial design" to provide context. For example, "an initial design" for a bridge or a website.

Common error

Avoid presenting "an initial design" as a polished, complete solution. Clearly communicate that it's a starting point, subject to changes and improvements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial design" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies the starting point in a design process, as seen in Ludwig's examples where it often precedes further development or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an initial design" is grammatically sound and widely used in English, particularly in scientific, technical, and engineering contexts. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase commonly refers to the first version or concept of a design. Its purpose is to introduce a starting point for further development or analysis. While generally neutral to formal, its frequency in academic and professional literature suggests a suitability for more formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure you provide context about the design's purpose and acknowledge its preliminary nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary design

Replaces "initial" with "preliminary", emphasizing the early stage and potential for changes.

a draft design

Substitutes "initial" with "draft", highlighting that the design is still in progress and subject to revisions.

a starting design

Emphasizes the beginning point of the design process.

a prototype design

Suggests a functional model created for testing and refinement.

a concept design

Focuses on the conceptual phase and the underlying ideas of the design.

a basic design

Highlights the fundamental and uncomplicated nature of the early design.

a rudimentary design

Implies the design is in its early stages of development and is simple or undeveloped.

the original design

Focuses on the design as it was initially conceived, before any alterations.

a first-stage design

Emphasizes that the design is in its earliest phase.

a test design

Indicates that the design is intended for testing and evaluation before further development.

FAQs

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

You can use "an initial design" to refer to the first version or concept of a design, such as "The architect presented "an initial design" for the building, which included several sustainable features."

What are some alternatives to "an initial design"?

Alternatives include "a preliminary design", "a draft design", or "a concept design", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an initial design" in formal writing?

Yes, "an initial design" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in technical reports, proposals, and academic papers. It clearly communicates the stage of the design being discussed.

What is the difference between "an initial design" and "the final design"?

"An initial design" refers to the first iteration or preliminary version of a design, while "the final design" represents the completed and approved version after all revisions and refinements.