as a preliminary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a preliminary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is being done as an initial step or preparation before the main action or event. Example: "As a preliminary measure, we will conduct a survey to gather feedback from our clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a preliminary step.

The New York Times

Think of this as a preliminary report.

The New York Times - Arts

Did she die of malnutrition, as a preliminary autopsy suggested?

The New York Times

So we treat this only as a preliminary forecast.

The Washington Post

But agents opened what is known as a preliminary investigation.

The New York Times

As a preliminary matter he played the victim unconvincingly.

The Washington Post

As a preliminary step, such patient information validation is assessed.

Stanford University

The degradation behaviour was evaluated as a preliminary investigation.

Polymer

As a preliminary investigation the stability limits have been investigated.

Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science

Such result could be used as a preliminary design criterion.

Renewable Energy

As a preliminary injunction, the judge's order is not the final determination in the case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a preliminary" to clearly signal that the action you're describing is an initial step before a more significant process or event. This helps readers understand the sequence and importance of the actions.

Common error

Avoid using "as a preliminary" when the action described is the only or final step. This phrase suggests further actions will follow, so ensure your usage accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a preliminary" functions as an adverbial phrase or prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action is an initial or preparatory step. Ludwig provides multiple examples of its use in diverse contexts, confirming its role as an introductory element.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a preliminary" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that introduces an initial or preparatory action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively signals that a step is part of a larger process. It appears most frequently in science and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects that further actions will follow and avoid redundant phrasing. Consider using alternatives like "as an initial step" or "as a starting point" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an initial step

Focuses on the sequential aspect, emphasizing the start of a process.

as a starting point

Highlights the beginning stage, suggesting a foundation for further actions.

as a first measure

Emphasizes the action taken as the primary or initial step.

as a preparatory action

Stresses the preparation aspect, implying readiness for what follows.

to begin with

A simpler phrase denoting initiation or commencement.

at the outset

Highlights the initial phase or commencement of an event or process.

initially

Adverb form emphasizing the timing of the action.

in the first instance

Highlights the priority and order of actions.

as a prior condition

Highlights that this is something that needs to happen beforehand.

to start off

Emphasizes the informal initiation of an activity or process.

FAQs

How can I use "as a preliminary" in a sentence?

You can use "as a preliminary" to introduce an initial step before a main action. For example, "As a preliminary step, we conducted a survey." It indicates that more actions will follow.

What are some alternatives to "as a preliminary"?

Alternatives include "as an initial step", "as a starting point", or "to begin with". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "as a preliminary first step"?

Yes, saying "as a preliminary first step" is generally redundant. "Preliminary" already implies that it is the first step, so using both terms together is unnecessary. Just use "as a preliminary" or "as a first step".

What's the difference between "as a preliminary" and "in conclusion"?

"As a preliminary" indicates an introductory or initial action, while "in conclusion" signifies the end or summary of something. They are used at opposite ends of a process or discussion.