an initial test

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial test" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the first assessment or evaluation in a series of tests or experiments. Example: "Before we proceed with the main experiment, we need to conduct an initial test to gather preliminary data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I never even checked the account following an initial test to be certain it was accepting messages.

The New Yorker

A player does an initial test in the preseason to record a baseline score.

The New York Times - Sports

During an initial test, the second and third groups were interrupted twice.

The New York Times

The city embraced the plan, and in letters to the association set a target date of June 1998 for an initial test of the system.

The New York Times

After an initial test that involved watching a sad film of their choosing, Sobel's team picked the most tearful, all of whom were women.

The Guardian

By Tuesday night, the health department said an initial test had not indicated that the boy was infected by H1N1, but further tests were needed.

The New York Times

When reviewing corporate disclosures about supply chain labour rights, we often put a company to an initial test: does it admit that it has problems?

The Guardian

Dr. Richardson also knew that an initial test at Brentwood Road, where the Daschle letter had been processed, had turned up no evidence of contamination.

The New York Times

He said the fire blankets and curtains proved effective in an initial test, but the poles demonstrated a need for further adjustment.

The New York Times

Before his competition Saturday, Muehlegg and a dozen others in that race were selected to be tested for hemoglobin levels, and an initial test showed Muehlegg was above the limit.

The New York Times - Sports

After passing an initial test of suitability, administered by a Slashdot editor, a contribution is posted, followed by dozens, sometimes hundreds, of comments from the site's 305,000 users.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of tests, clearly differentiate "an initial test" from subsequent evaluations to provide a clear understanding of the process.

Common error

Avoid assuming that results from "an initial test" are definitive. Always clarify that further testing or analysis might be necessary for a comprehensive understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial test" functions as a noun phrase, with "initial" modifying the noun "test". This structure indicates a preliminary assessment or evaluation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an initial test" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a preliminary assessment. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility extends across various domains, particularly science and news, signifying its role as the first step in an evaluative process. While commonly used, it's important to remember that findings from "an initial test" are often preliminary and may require further investigation to ensure conclusive results. Be mindful to make this distinction explicit in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary assessment

Replaces 'initial test' with a more formal tone, emphasizing the evaluative aspect.

a first trial run

Focuses on the experimental aspect of the 'initial test', suggesting a practical attempt.

a pilot study

Indicates a small-scale study conducted before a larger one, similar to an initial exploration.

a baseline evaluation

Emphasizes establishing a reference point for future comparisons.

a primary investigation

Suggests a basic inquiry into a subject, differing slightly in formality.

a starting examination

Highlights the act of beginning an examination process.

a preparatory check

Implies a check done in preparation for something more significant.

a quick screening

Emphasizes speed and efficiency in identifying potential issues.

a diagnostic assessment

Focuses on identifying a problem or condition at the beginning of a process.

a preliminary inquiry

Suggests an informal investigation, varying in depth compared to a test.

FAQs

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

You can use "an initial test" to describe the first step in a series of evaluations. For example: "The doctor ordered "an initial test" to determine the cause of the patient's symptoms."

What is a good alternative to "an initial test"?

Alternatives include "a preliminary assessment", "a first trial run", or "a pilot study", depending on the context.

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

"An initial test" refers to the first evaluation conducted, whereas "a final test" represents the concluding assessment in a series. The initial test aims to gather preliminary data, while the final test aims to confirm results.

When should I use "an initial test" instead of "a preliminary screening"?

Use "an initial test" when describing a structured evaluation with specific criteria. Opt for "a preliminary screening" (/s/a+preliminary+screening) when referring to a quick assessment to identify potential issues.