an initial meeting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial meeting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the first meeting in a series or the first meeting between parties. Example: "We will schedule an initial meeting to discuss the project details and establish our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Interpublic boss Phil Geier has been courting the agency since an initial meeting early last year.

The Guardian

I had an initial meeting with a counsellor and then with a nurse.

The Guardian

At an initial meeting of the six delegations, the Russians recommended lifting some sanctions as a goodwill gesture.

The Guardian

He said the committee had held an initial meeting to explore the big picture and other issues would follow.

The Guardian

After an initial meeting with Mr. Halderman, Mr. Letterman's personal lawyer, Jim Jackoway, contacted the Manhattan district attorney's office.

The New York Times

After being called in for an initial meeting last Friday, John Emerson returned to the ministry for a second meeting with a senior official on Wednesday.

The Guardian

At an initial meeting in late August, he said, Mr. Figeroux accused Mr. Cochran, who is black, of being interested only in money.

The New York Times

At an initial meeting, the government and a group of Berbers agreed to set up six work groups to examine the Berber demands.

The New York Times

This is why the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA) was set up, following an initial meeting in Auckland in 2014.

The Guardian

At an initial meeting at the university, and in several subsequent conversations, investigators asked Gilman if he had supplied confidential information about bapineuzumab to Martoma.

The New Yorker

When they decide to get married – a mixed-race couple – he arrives for an initial meeting at the government offices with some trepidation.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an initial meeting" as an opportunity to set expectations and establish communication protocols. This can prevent misunderstandings later on.

Common error

Avoid using "an initial meeting" to describe follow-up discussions. Instead, use terms like "second meeting", "subsequent meeting", or "progress update" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial meeting" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and widely used in English to denote the first formal gathering or discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an initial meeting" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the first gathering or discussion between parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. The phrase functions as a noun and serves purposes ranging from project kickoffs to establishing initial contact. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "a preliminary meeting" or "an introductory meeting". To ensure clarity in writing, reserve "an initial meeting" solely for the first encounter, avoiding its use for subsequent discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary meeting

Emphasizes the meeting as a preparatory step before further action.

a first meeting

A straightforward synonym, highlighting the order of the meeting.

an introductory meeting

Focuses on the meeting's purpose of introducing people or topics.

a kickoff meeting

Implies the start of a project or initiative.

a starting meeting

Indicates the commencement of a series of meetings or discussions.

a maiden meeting

Emphasizes that it is the very first meeting to occur.

an opening discussion

Shifts focus to the conversational aspect of the first encounter.

the first session

Implies a structured or formal meeting, possibly part of a series.

an early consultation

Highlights the advisory or guidance aspect of the initial encounter.

a familiarization session

Suggests the purpose is to get acquainted with information or processes.

FAQs

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

"An initial meeting" typically refers to the first formal discussion or gathering. For example: "We scheduled an initial meeting to discuss the project scope".

What's a good alternative to "an initial meeting"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a preliminary meeting", "an introductory meeting", or "a first meeting".

Is it okay to use "an initial meeting" in formal writing?

Yes, "an initial meeting" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in business or academic contexts. It clearly and professionally conveys the idea of a first encounter.

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

"An initial meeting" is the very first time parties come together, while a "follow-up meeting" happens after the initial one to continue discussions or address pending issues.