an initial policy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial policy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a preliminary or starting policy that is subject to change or further development. Example: "The organization has implemented an initial policy to address the concerns raised by the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Each participating department submitted an initial policy paper.

The New Yorker

For more details on how BO would work, Defra's Green Paper is easy to follow, although, as an initial policy proposal, it lacks detail.

The Guardian

During his time at the Dutch Rabobank team, Rasmussen worked with Geert Leinders, a Belgian doctor who went on to work at Team Sky on a freelance basis in 2011 and 2012 after the team had dropped an initial policy of not hiring medics with a background in professional cycling.

The Guardian - Sport

I suggest an initial policy: We should create some valid tools to rate our own teaching for the purpose of granting merit pay and promotions.

Science Magazine

The time horizon is the interval of time characterized by an initial policy concern about a hazard and its eventual regulation through any legally based process.

Dose-Response

7 8 The mild natural course and relatively minor symptoms that do not improve by any intervention justifies for small-sized and medium-sized tumours an initial policy of watchful waiting by sequential MRI follow-up.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

(2) Is there a difference in initial policy of the GP between athletes and non-athletes?

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The thaw in relations with Cuba comes as a vindication of his initial policy of the outstretched hand towards hostile regimes or rogue states.

The Guardian - Opinion

The reform stance variable, in line with previous evidence, shows a strong link with initial policy conditions.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

The reform stance variable, in line with previous evidence (Høj et al., 2006), exhibits a clear relation with initial policy conditions.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Media reports say the defection fee is a change from Visa's initial policy, which said it would impose a hefty fee on top member banks if they went with any rival, including American Express or Morgan Stanley 's Discover card.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting policy documents, clearly indicate that a policy is "an initial policy" to set expectations that it may evolve. This avoids confusion and encourages feedback for refinement.

Common error

Avoid treating "an initial policy" as a fixed solution. Regularly review and update it based on new data or feedback to ensure its continued effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial policy" functions as a noun phrase, where "initial" modifies the noun "policy". It typically serves to identify a policy that is in its early stages of development or implementation, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an initial policy" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to denote a preliminary or starting guideline. As Ludwig AI has shown, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it is essential to convey the understanding that the policy is subject to change. Alternatives such as "a preliminary policy" or "a starting policy" can be used to provide similar meanings. Remember to regularly review and update any "initial policy" based on feedback to maintain its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary policy

Replaces "initial" with "preliminary", emphasizing the tentative or preparatory nature of the policy.

a starting policy

Substitutes "initial" with "starting", highlighting the policy's role as a commencement point.

a first policy

Uses "first" instead of "initial", stressing the order or sequence of the policy.

an introductory policy

Replaces "initial" with "introductory", focusing on the policy's function as an introduction to a broader strategy.

a baseline policy

Uses "baseline" to suggest the policy serves as a standard or reference point for future actions.

an opening policy

Substitutes "initial" with "opening", emphasizing the beginning or commencement aspect of the policy.

a pilot policy

Suggests the policy is a test or trial run before full implementation.

a prototype policy

Emphasizes the experimental or developmental nature of the policy.

a provisional policy

Highlights the temporary or conditional aspect of the policy.

a tentative policy

Focuses on the uncertain or hesitant nature of the policy's implementation.

FAQs

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

You can use "an initial policy" to describe a starting or preliminary course of action, such as, "The company's "an initial policy" focused on reducing carbon emissions."

What's a good alternative to saying "an initial policy"?

Alternatives include "a preliminary policy", "a starting policy", or "a first policy", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it implied that "an initial policy" is subject to change?

Yes, the term "initial" suggests that the policy is a starting point and is likely to be revised or updated as circumstances evolve. Therefore, clear communication about the potential for change is beneficial.

What distinguishes "an initial policy" from a standard policy?

"An initial policy" implies a preliminary or introductory measure, whereas a standard policy suggests an established and more permanent guideline. The former is often implemented to test feasibility or gather data before establishing a more comprehensive approach.