an initial period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial period" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the beginning phase or duration of a process, event, or situation. Example: "During an initial period of training, employees will learn the basic skills required for their roles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hip spica casting may be initiated following an initial period of traction.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

After an initial period of enthusiasm, its membership dwindled.

Britannica

After an initial period of confusion, her family had accepted Cox's version of events.

The New Yorker

The new €50,000 limit applies for "an initial period of at least one year".

The Guardian - Business

ITN's deal with Channel 5 will run for an initial period of three years.

The Guardian

After an initial period, payments surge as principal repayment kicks in.

The Economist

Under the resolution, an arms embargo in the east would be instituted for an initial period of 12 months.

The New York Times

"After an initial period of excitement, the average consumer grows accustomed to what he has purchased and. . .

The New Yorker

Weekly boarding is good, though an initial period of no contact with parents is for the best.

The Guardian

After an initial period of exploratory work, we identified representative software cases found in various pockets across the MIT campus.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But many quadriplegics, once they've gone through an initial period of adjustment, find their lives very satisfying.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or project, use "an initial period" to clearly define the starting phase and set expectations for subsequent stages.

Common error

Avoid vague references to "an initial period" without providing context or duration. Always specify the length or purpose of the initial period for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial period" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, often indicating the starting phase or duration of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an initial period" is a versatile phrase used to denote the beginning phase or duration of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, especially in News & Media and Science. When using the phrase, be specific about the duration or purpose of the "an initial period" to ensure clarity. Consider using alternatives like "an opening phase" or "an early phase" for variety. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, "an initial period" is a common and accepted way to start describing time-sensitive processes or events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an opening phase

Replaces "initial" with "opening", emphasizing the beginning aspect but can refer more to planned processes.

an early phase

Uses "early phase" instead of "initial period", focusing on the beginning part of the time.

a preliminary stage

Substitutes "initial period" with "preliminary stage", focusing on the preparatory nature of the time.

an introductory phase

Uses "introductory" instead of "initial", highlighting the act of introducing something but more on official aspects.

a starting duration

Changes "initial period" to "starting duration", stressing the length of time at the beginning.

a nascent stage

Replaces "initial period" with "nascent stage", indicating a newly emerging phase.

a foundation period

Replaces "initial period" with "foundation period", stressing the establishment of a base.

a kickoff time

Replaces the whole phrase with "kickoff time", is a more informal way to define a start.

a primary duration

Changes "initial" to "primary", highlighting the importance of the beginning phase.

a genesis phase

Uses "genesis phase" instead of "initial period", implying the origin or creation phase but is more emphatic.

FAQs

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

Use "an initial period" to describe the beginning phase of a process, project, or situation. For example, "During "an initial period" of training, employees learn essential skills".

What can I say instead of "an initial period"?

You can use alternatives like "an opening phase", "a preliminary stage", or "an early phase" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to specify the length of "an initial period"?

While not always mandatory, specifying the duration of "an initial period" adds clarity and helps set expectations. For example, "An initial period of three months" provides a concrete timeframe.

What is the difference between "an initial period" and "an introductory period"?

"An initial period" refers to the beginning phase in general, while "an introductory period" specifically refers to a phase designed to introduce something new.