The phrase "are the initial steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the beginning actions or procedures in a process or plan.
Example: "Before we proceed with the project, let’s outline what are the initial steps we need to take."
Alternatives: "constitute the first steps" or "represent the preliminary actions".
"What are the initial steps".
Characterization of bitumen and phase behaviour study of solvent/bitumen systems are the initial steps towards an optimized and successful solvent-aided bitumen recovery process.
The hydrolysis of the ester bonds of triglycerides and the release of glycerol and fatty acids from adipose tissue are the initial steps in metabolising fat.
In the present paper, we show that the binding of Ir-LBP to LTB4 is highly specific, reversible and saturable, and also that the high affinity (in the nM range) of Ir-LBP for LTB4 permits Ir-LBP to compete with LTB4 membrane receptors, thus impeding the transmission of the secondary messengers that are the initial steps of the cellular response.
Abdominal and chest imaging are the initial steps in the investigation of fever of unknown origin (FUO) [ 22].
To know the upstream signals responsible for ERK activation in HRT98G cells, we determined Ras activity and ROS level because it has been known that ROS and Ras activation are the initial steps for the activation of MAPK cascades in hypoxic signal transduction [ 13, 14].
Show-cause notices are the initial step in taking action against athletes who Asada believes transgressed doping laws.
COI studies are the initial step in an economic evaluation.
These data are the initial step in evaluating the chronotherapeutic role of melatonin in patients with advanced lung cancer.
While diet and exercise interventions are the initial step in treating obesity, the precise effects of such interventions on specific AT depots are unknown.
The decisions were the initial steps in a re-examination of the patents, but the matter is far from over.
