an initial group of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial group of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a starting set of individuals or items within a larger context or study. Example: "The research began with an initial group of participants who met the criteria for the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Earlier this year, Glasgow, one of the UK's biggest net importers of immigrants, introduced a ground-breaking initiative that allowed an initial group of 30 refugee doctors from Iraq, Syria, Iran and Sri Lanka to work within the "overstretched" NHS.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Bookman said an initial group of newsstands installed last fall "leaked terribly and had locks that were not adequate".

The New York Times

Once an initial group of fish was created this way, the rest could be produced through conventional breeding.

The New York Times

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is sending an initial group of 10 monitors to Ukraine.

The New York Times

Mr. Golisano's PAC is expected to announce an initial group of candidates that it is supporting later this week.

The New York Times

Governor Rockefeller's office announced today that the pro gram, with an initial group of 50 trainees, would begin short ly.

The New York Times

This achievement was made possible by an initial group of 118 German rocket specialists to which others were gradually added.

Acta Astronautica

Leonard F. Joy, the city's federal public defender, consulting with other lawyers, recommended an initial group of names from the larger pool of lawyers appointed to represent defendants.

The New York Times

They called it Heartsong, opened the doors to an initial group of 30 children and ran the no-fee program with 17 volunteers and 3 therapists.

The New York Times

Pentagon officials said an initial group of 50 to 70 troops would be sent by the end of the month, with the remainder arriving in the weeks after.

The New York Times

Mr. Largay was selected from an initial group of about 250 luxury travel agents after a long application process and a series of interviews with the company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an initial group of" to introduce a specific set of individuals or items that serve as a starting point, pilot program, or early sample within a broader context.

Common error

Avoid using "an initial group of" without specifying the broader context or subsequent steps. It should be clear whether this group represents a test phase, a sample, or the beginning of a larger initiative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial group of" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It identifies a subset as being the first or beginning set within a larger population. Ludwig provides many examples confirming this use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an initial group of" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote the first set of individuals or items within a larger context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and widely accepted. Primarily found in news and scientific publications, it serves to introduce a specific subset, often implying subsequent stages or a broader scope. When using this phrase, it's important to provide sufficient context, clarifying the relationship between the "initial group" and the larger population or process. Alternatives like "a preliminary set of" or "a starting cohort of" can be used for subtle variations in meaning. Be cautious of redundancy; avoid using "initial starting group".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary set of

Replaces 'initial' with 'preliminary', emphasizing the introductory nature of the set.

a starting cohort of

Substitutes 'group' with 'cohort', often used in academic or research settings.

a nascent collection of

Replaces 'initial' with 'nascent', highlighting the early stage of development.

the pilot batch of

Uses 'pilot batch' to suggest a test or trial run.

a foundational cluster of

Emphasizes that the group forms a base for something larger.

an introductory team of

Replaces 'group' with 'team', implying a collaborative effort.

a limited selection of

Focuses on the restricted or curated nature of the group.

a primary cadre of

Uses 'cadre' to denote a small group of trained or devoted people.

the original batch of

Highlights that the group is the first to be created or used.

a basic contingent of

Employs 'contingent' to signify a group forming part of a larger body.

FAQs

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

"An initial group of" is used to specify the first set of participants or items in a process. For example, "An initial group of 50 trainees will begin the program next week."

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

Alternatives include "a preliminary set of", "a starting cohort of", or "the pilot batch of", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "an initial starting group of"?

Yes, using both "initial" and "starting" is redundant. Stick to either "an initial group of" or "a starting group of" for clarity.

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

"An initial group of" refers to the first participants or items, while "a final group of" refers to the last or concluding set. They represent opposite ends of a process or selection.