an initiative

USAGE SUMMARY

"an initiative" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to a new plan or action designed to achieve a particular goal or solve a problem. Example: The government is launching an initiative to improve access to healthcare in rural areas.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An online event is an initiative with many benefits.

Forbes

But who would lead such an initiative?

The New York Times

Do you have an initiative?" he asked.

The New York Times

It is not an initiative".

The New York Times

Why launch an initiative now?

Harvard University

with an initiative it called Trailblazer.

Yale University

"We took an initiative regarding the elections.

The Washington Post

Now there's an initiative that could make Germans into Eurosceptics.

The Economist

But Morphy rarely failed to bring an initiative to fruition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1996, California passed an initiative to legalize medical marijuana.

The New Yorker

It probably won't be long before such an initiative materializes.Q.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an initiative" to clearly define a new plan or project designed to solve a specific problem or achieve a particular goal. Ensure the context provides sufficient information about the initiative's purpose and scope.

Common error

Avoid using "an initiative" without clearly defining its scope and objectives. Ensure your audience understands what the initiative aims to achieve and how it will be implemented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initiative" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a specific plan or action undertaken to achieve a defined goal. This is validated by Ludwig, which confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an initiative" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase that introduces a new plan or project. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various writing contexts. While alternatives like "project" or "program" exist, "an initiative" often emphasizes a proactive and innovative approach. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the initiative's scope and objectives are well-defined to avoid vagueness. It is more frequently found in "News & Media", "Academia" and "Formal & Business" contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a project

Focuses on a specific undertaking, often with defined goals and timelines; less emphasis on novelty.

a program

Emphasizes a structured, often ongoing, set of activities; implies a formal framework.

a scheme

Can imply a plan or strategy, sometimes with a negative connotation if viewed as underhanded.

an undertaking

Highlights the commitment and effort involved in pursuing a goal.

a venture

Suggests a business endeavor or a project involving risk and potential reward.

a measure

Highlights a specific action taken to address a problem or achieve a goal.

a step

Focuses on a single action within a larger process or plan.

a move

Highlights a strategic decision or action intended to achieve an advantage.

a drive

Implies a concerted effort or campaign to achieve a particular objective.

a crusade

Suggests a zealous or impassioned effort to promote a cause or achieve a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "an initiative" in a sentence?

You can use "an initiative" to introduce a new plan or project, as in "The company launched "an initiative" to reduce carbon emissions".

What's a good alternative to "an initiative"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "a project", "a program", or "a scheme" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "the initiative is being initiated"?

While grammatically correct, it's redundant. Instead, use "The initiative is being launched" or "The initiative is starting" for clearer communication.

What is the difference between "an initiative" and "a strategy"?

"An initiative" refers to a specific action or plan, while "a strategy" is a broader, overarching approach. An initiative is often part of a larger strategy.