as an initial method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an initial method" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a primary approach or strategy in a discussion or analysis. Example: "As an initial method, we will conduct a survey to gather data on customer preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A total of five samples underwent multi-plane sectioning, one as an initial method and four as repeat sectioning after a negative biopsy result.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

A cell growth assay was used as an initial method of assessing function.

British Journal of Cancer

A conceptual model based on a systematic review of studies in other industries was used as an initial method for coding the data.

BMC Health Services Research

As one of the possible solutions to this problem, education regarding fundamental ethical principles is suggested for participants in research studies as an initial method of cognitive training in ethics, together with the promotion of ethical behavior in order to encourage the adoption of reasonable policies in the field of values, attitudes and behavior.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Its utility as an initial screening method is well documented (2 – 4 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

More specifically, the use of AE together with for example CBM4-2 has the potential to function as an initial screening method for the characterization of the substitution pattern of cellulose derivatives.

BMC Biotechnology

Although PR cannot be used as an initial diagnostic method when searching for CCA, dentists should be aware of CCA on a routine PR, particularly in older patients who may also have the risk factors of obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and smoking.

Clinical interventions in aging

44– 46 Although PR cannot be used as an initial diagnostic method when searching for CCA, dentists should be aware of CCA on routine PR, particularly in older patients who may also have the risk factors of obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and smoking.

Clinical interventions in aging

The ablation overtook a clipping as the initial method in many centers, including Brazil, because of the safety and feasibility of this method.

Critical Care

To minimize stethoscope use, we used a portable end-tidal CO2 detector as the initial method to confirm tracheobronchial placement of the endotracheal tube.

Critical Care

A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used as the initial method by which values were elicited for the patient's own current health state and the above mentioned health state descriptions.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or experiment, clearly state that using "as an initial method" sets the stage for subsequent steps. This clarifies the overall methodology and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "as an initial method" when you mean it's the only method. "Initial" implies further steps will follow, while using it as the sole method can be misleading. Consider replacing it with "as the sole method" if no other method is going to be adopted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an initial method" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It specifies the manner in which an action is performed, indicating that something is done as a first step or starting point. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as an initial method" is a phrase used to describe the first step or approach in a process, predominantly within scientific and formal contexts. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and serves to clearly define the starting point of a sequence of actions. While alternatives such as "as a starting method" or "as a preliminary method" exist, the key is to ensure the context implies a sequence of steps rather than a singular action. This phrase provides clarity and structure, making it an effective tool in technical writing and methodology descriptions. The examples provided demonstrate the phrase's utility in various scientific domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a starting method

Replaces "initial" with "starting", emphasizing the beginning of a process.

as a preliminary method

Substitutes "initial" with "preliminary", highlighting that the method is preparatory.

as a first method

Simple substitution of "initial" with "first", directly indicating sequence.

as an introductory method

Replaces "initial" with "introductory", focusing on the method's role in introducing a process.

as a primary method

Changes "initial" to "primary", suggesting the method is the main one at the start.

as a basic method

Replaces "initial" with "basic", implying a simple, fundamental approach.

as a beginning method

Swaps "initial" for "beginning", emphasizing the start or origin.

as a kickoff method

Uses "kickoff" instead of "initial", giving a more informal tone emphasizing the start.

as a jump-start method

More informal, emphasizes the method's role in quickly initiating a process.

as a launchpad method

Figurative language; suggests the method is a platform for further action.

FAQs

How can I use "as an initial method" in a sentence?

Use "as an initial method" to introduce the first step in a process or procedure. For example, "As an initial method, we conducted a survey to gather preliminary data."

What is a good alternative to "as an initial method"?

Alternatives include "as a preliminary method", "as a starting method", or "as a first method depending on the context".

When is it appropriate to use "as an initial method"?

It's appropriate when you want to specify that a particular method is the first one used in a sequence of steps, especially in research, experiments, or problem-solving scenarios.

What's the difference between "as an initial method" and "as the primary method"?

"As an initial method" indicates the first method used, while "as the primary method" suggests the main or most important method, even if it's not necessarily the first one applied. The term "as a primary method" may or may not be the first one, but it certainly indicates importance.