an initial request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the first or preliminary request made in a conversation or process. Example: "I would like to follow up on an initial request I made last week regarding the project details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Mr. Suharto's successor, B. J. Habibie, made an initial request for legal help last June.

The New York Times

To this day it has never failed to grant an initial request for import controls.

The New York Times - Arts

Swansea turned down an initial request from Celtic but chairman Huw Jenkins admitted he would not stand in Martínez's way if the Spaniard insisted on talks.

The Guardian - Sport

Though the Kremlin earlier signaled reluctance to consider Mr. Snowden's application — an initial request submitted on June 30 was withdrawn — now it seems quite likely to grant it.

The New York Times

It is not to be used by students making an initial request for accommodations who have not yet met with and been approved by SDS staff.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The sequence from an initial request for extradition from a foreign country to the actual handing over of a suspect runs through six stages, and at four of them the case may be dismissed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But the exclusive interview surrounding her book release came as a result of her initial request a year and a half ago.

Huffington Post

If we did not receive a response to our initial request, a second request was made.

Plosone

If we did not receive a response to our initial request, a second request was sent after one month.

Plosone

Thomas Felsberg, a bankruptcy lawyer in São Paulo, said Brazilian bankruptcy courts almost always approve a company's initial request for protection, as long as the documents are in order, and such approval does not contain any judgment about a company's chances of emerging from bankruptcy.

The New York Times

The responder, aware of the initiator's IP address based on the initial request, sends a challenge message back to the initiator via unicast, allowing the initiator to associate the responder's HIT to its IP address.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an initial request", clearly state the context or subject of the request to avoid ambiguity. For example, "an initial request for funding" is more specific than just "an initial request".

Common error

Avoid using "an initial request" without providing any context. This can leave the recipient unsure of what exactly you are requesting or why it is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial request" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as referring to the beginning of a process or a preliminary application.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an initial request" is a commonly used phrase that refers to the first instance of asking for something. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to provide context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "a preliminary inquiry" or "a first application", depending on the situation. Based on the analysis, "an initial request" is a versatile phrase suitable for a wide range of writing situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary inquiry

Focuses on the exploratory nature of the request.

a first application

Emphasizes the formal aspect of making a request.

a starting solicitation

Highlights the act of asking for something.

an early application

Similar meaning, but uses 'early' instead of 'initial'.

a prior claim

Indicates a request made before others.

a primary submission

Stresses the act of presenting something for consideration.

a baseline requirement

Highlights the fundamental nature of the request.

a fundamental request

Highlights the essential nature of the request.

an introductory appeal

Implies a formal or persuasive request.

an originating prayer

Refers to the beginning of a series of requests.

FAQs

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

You can use "an initial request" to refer to the first time someone asks for something. For example, "The project began after "an initial request" for resources was approved".

What's a more formal alternative to "an initial request"?

Alternatives include "a preliminary inquiry" or "a first application", depending on the context.

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

"An initial request" refers to the very first time you ask for something, while "a follow-up request" is a subsequent request, usually made if the first one wasn't answered or fulfilled.

Is it better to say "an initial request" or "the first request"?

Both are acceptable, but "an initial request" often implies a more formal or procedural context than "the first request".