an initial episode of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial episode of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the first occurrence of a particular event or condition, often in medical or narrative contexts. Example: "The patient presented with an initial episode of severe headaches that lasted for several hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

When taken during an initial episode of chest pain, nitroglycerin can prevent a heart attack in 3 to 4 percent of patients, said Dr. Steven E. Nissen, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

The New York Times

We examined the incidence of recurrent AKI in those with an initial episode of resolving AKI.

Annals of Intensive Care

The effectiveness of a program designed to prevent an initial episode of major depression or dysthymia among adolescents was investigated.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

To evaluate prognostic factors for second attack and for disability in children presenting with an initial episode of central nervous system (CNS) demyelination.

The Journal of Pediatrics

Among the most serious sequelae to an initial episode of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) during adolescence is the significant increase in the probability of recurrence.

Journal of Affective Disorders

The incidence of recurrent AKI was only examined in patients who had an initial episode of resolving AKI (e.g., short or medium duration AKI).

Annals of Intensive Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The show has an initial episode order of 10, but a deal in place that could see it produce as many as 100 episodes.

Huffington Post

The incidence of major depressive disorder conveys information about the risk of onset of an initial episode, but this is of limited value for clinical practice (where presentations occur after onset) or for public policy (since the rate of onset of new episodes does not adequately reflect the burden of disease).

BMC Psychiatry

Indeed, a recent meta-analysis has found that CDI recurs in 13% – 50% of all patients after an initial episode, and in the setting of a randomized controlled trial, the recurrence rate was 25% [ 7- 9].

BMC Infectious Diseases

After resolution of an initial episode, the model entities moved into a first remission state.

BMC Psychiatry

The condition manifests as a continuation of an initial episode or periodic recurrences and remissions [ 11, 12].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an initial episode of", ensure that the context clearly indicates that it is the first occurrence being discussed. This is especially important in medical and scientific writing where clarity is paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "an initial episode of" when referring to a recurrence or a non-first event. Always verify that the episode is indeed the first one in the sequence to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial episode of" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts to specify the first occurrence of an event or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an initial episode of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI, to denote the first occurrence of a specific event or condition. It is particularly prevalent in scientific and medical contexts, where precise language is essential. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure that the context genuinely reflects a first-time event to avoid misuse. Alternatives like "a first occurrence of" or "the onset of" can be used, but the choice depends on the desired level of formality and specificity. When employing this phrase, clarity is key, especially in formal writing. The most frequent contexts for "an initial episode of" are Science and News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a first occurrence of

Emphasizes the ordinality of the event; less clinical.

the onset of

Focuses on the beginning or start of something, often a condition or illness.

the beginning of

A general term for the start of something, lacking the specificity of "episode".

a primary instance of

More formal and emphasizes that it is the first or main example.

the inaugural presentation of

Highly formal, suitable for events or performances rather than medical conditions.

a starting incidence of

Focuses on the rate or frequency at the beginning.

the original manifestation of

Implies the first observable sign or symptom.

an early sign of

Suggests that the episode is an indicator of something larger.

a preliminary display of

Indicates an initial showing or exhibition, not usually applicable to medical events.

a nascent stage of

Refers to an early or developing phase, implying progression.

FAQs

How can I use "an initial episode of" in a sentence?

You can use "an initial episode of" to describe the first occurrence of a condition or event. For example, "The patient presented with an initial episode of chest pain", or "The study focused on preventing an initial episode of depression in adolescents".

What are some alternatives to "an initial episode of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a first occurrence of", "the onset of", or "the beginning of", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "an initial episode of" or "a first episode of"?

Both "an initial episode of" and "a first episode of" are correct and largely interchangeable. "An initial episode of" might sound slightly more formal, but the choice often depends on personal preference and the surrounding text.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "an initial episode of"?

It's inappropriate to use "an initial episode of" when discussing subsequent or recurring events. Ensure that the situation you're describing is genuinely the first instance; otherwise, use terms like "a subsequent episode" or "a recurring event".