an initial step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the beginning of a process or journey. For example, "Taking a course in web development was an initial step in my career change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The curation of photos on Instagram is just an initial step towards larger initiatives.

Vice

"This was an initial step".

The New York Times

These cards are an initial step.

The Guardian

Critics note that, as in other new democracies, an election is only an initial step.

The New York Times

Rouhani took an initial step on Monday, by breaking the ban on mentioning Khatami in public.

The New Yorker

Microsoft describes Windows Me as "an initial step towards delivering on Microsoft's vision for home users".

The New York Times - Tech

The Bundesrat's decision is only an initial step in what could be a very long process.

The New York Times

"It's an initial step, though".

Science Magazine

So in an initial step, PRF gave out small grants.

Science Magazine

The deterministic programs work as an initial step.

Forbes

This study represents an initial step for policy instrument design.

Ecosystem Services

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an initial step", ensure the subsequent steps are clearly defined or implied to provide context and direction to the reader.

Common error

Avoid presenting "an initial step" as the ultimate solution. Emphasize that it's merely the beginning and further actions are required to achieve the desired outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial step" functions as a noun phrase identifying the starting point of a process or course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used and grammatically correct to introduce the beginning of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an initial step" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the beginning of a process or undertaking. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from scientific research to news reporting. Its prevalence in science, news & media, and formal business communication underscores its widespread applicability. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, remember to provide adequate context for the actions that follow, highlighting that it's only the beginning. By using "an initial step" effectively, you can clearly communicate the start of a new phase or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a first step

Replaces "initial" with "first", emphasizing the order in a sequence.

a preliminary measure

Substitutes "step" with "measure", suggesting a preparatory action.

a starting point

Replaces the entire phrase with a more general term for beginning.

a nascent stage

Uses "nascent stage" to indicate an early phase of development.

an early move

Focuses on the action aspect of starting something.

the kickoff

Uses an informal term for beginning, more suitable for less formal contexts.

the inception

Replaces the phrase with a more formal term indicating the beginning or commencement of something.

a basic action

Highlights the fundamental nature of the initial action.

an opening gambit

Implies a strategic opening move, often in negotiations or complex situations.

the dawn

Uses a metaphorical term to indicate the start of something new.

FAQs

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

You can use "an initial step" to describe the beginning of a process or journey. For example, "Enrolling in a coding bootcamp was "an initial step" toward my career change".

What are some alternatives to saying "an initial step"?

Alternatives include "a first step", "a preliminary measure", or "a starting point", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "first initial step"?

Yes, saying "first initial step" is typically redundant. The word "initial" already implies that it is the first step, so using "first" is unnecessary.

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

"An initial step" refers to the beginning of a process, while "a final step" refers to the end or conclusion. They are opposite in meaning. For example, "Researching the topic was "an initial step" in writing the paper", whereas submitting the paper was "a final step".