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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
at an initial time
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "at an initial time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific point in time when something begins or is first considered. Example: "At an initial time, the project was expected to take six months to complete."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
We assume that the number of vehicles on each link at an initial time equals zero.
A protein complex at an initial time has no explicit connection with itself at subsequent times.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
The magnitude of the vaccination control function at such an initial time instant is larger as smaller the parameter ε is.
Note that, especially at 15% coherence, there was an initial time window after stimulus onset in which blind trials predominated.
Science
The oven temperature was programmed from 140 to 245°C at a rate of 4°C/min after an initial time hold of 5 min and the final time hold of 15 min (the total analysis time was 45.00 min).
Science
If we integrate horizontal velocity over the ocean depth at an appropriate "initial" time, we could simply use that horizontally variable, depth-averaged velocity profile as an initial condition for a shallow water simulation.
Science
Multiple flow maps are constructed from a particle trace that is released at a single initial time by mapping and interpolating the flow map formed by the locations of the fluid tracers after finite time integration to a unit square master element and to the quadrature nodes within the element, respectively.
Though H-BEA zeolite showed a high acetone conversion at an initial reaction time, the activity of the catalyst drastically decreased due to coke formation.
Science
Lagrangian flux through a fixed curve segment within a time interval (tn,tn+k) can be formulated as an integral at the initial time tn over a compact point set called donating region, in which each particle will pass through the curve during the time interval and contribute to the flux.
A linear correlation between ln(A 0/A t ) (where A 0 is the absorbance at the initial time, A t is the absorbance at the specific reaction time) at the room temperature establishes that the reaction is of pseudo-first order.
At the initial time, a random internal excitation energy drawn from a flat distribution in the 2 8 eV range is converted into atomic kinetic energy.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "at an initial time", ensure the context clearly defines what that starting point refers to. This helps avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "at an initial time" when simpler alternatives like "initially" or "at the beginning" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "at an initial time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something occurs or begins. Ludwig AI examples show it setting a specific starting point for actions or processes.
Frequent in
Science
70%
News & Media
20%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "at an initial time" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to specify a starting point or the beginning of a process. While Ludwig AI identifies it as usable, it's relatively rare and leans towards formal and scientific contexts. Consider simpler alternatives like "initially" or "at the beginning" for less formal situations. Remember to clearly define the initial time reference to avoid ambiguity and avoid overuse to keep your writing clear and concise.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
initially
This is a shorter adverbial form conveying the same meaning.
at the beginning
This phrase uses simpler vocabulary to express the start of a period.
at the outset
This phrase implies a start or commencement of an activity or event.
in the beginning
This alternative is more common in narrative or descriptive contexts.
from the start
This phrase emphasizes the entire duration from the initial point.
at the commencement
This is a more formal alternative emphasizing the act of starting.
to begin with
This phrase is often used when introducing a sequence of points or events.
at inception
This alternative is suited to describe formal beginnings, especially of projects or organizations.
in its infancy
This suggests that something is new and in an early stage of development.
at time zero
This phrase is used in scientific contexts where time is being measured from a defined starting point.
FAQs
How can I use "at an initial time" in a sentence?
Use "at an initial time" to specify a starting point or the beginning of a process. For instance, "At an initial time, the project was expected to be completed within six months".
What phrases are similar to "at an initial time"?
Alternatives include "initially", "at the beginning", or "from the start". The best choice depends on the specific context.
Is "at an initial time" formal or informal?
"At an initial time" leans towards the formal side. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "in the beginning" may be more appropriate.
When should I use "at an initial time" versus "initially"?
"At an initial time" specifies a point in time, while "initially" functions as an adverb describing how something starts. Use "at an initial time" when you need to emphasize the temporal aspect.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested