at initial

USAGE SUMMARY

"at initial" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to refer to something that happened or was true at the beginning of a process or situation. For example, "At initial, I thought I could handle the project on my own, but eventually I had to ask for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So this is welfare B, welfare A at initial endowment.

Yale University

Cohesion at initial yield state.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

PSA determined at initial diagnosis.

EJNMMI Research

Figure 1 Fundus examination at initial assessment.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Fig. 1 Exam findings at initial presentation.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Fig. 1 Right breast at initial presentation.

Surgical Case Reports

Friction angle at initial yield state.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Viscosity at initial pore pressure (cp).

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Oil density at initial pressure (kg/m3).

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

"Police attendance at initial child protection conferences was unsatisfactory.

BBC

Look at initial public offerings in 1980 and now.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at initial" to clearly specify the state or condition at the start of a process, assessment, or period. This helps to establish a clear reference point for comparison or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "at initial" when "initially" is more appropriate. "Initially" is an adverb that describes how something began, while "at initial" is a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or situation. For example, use "Initially, the project was on track" instead of "At initial, the project was on track."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at initial" primarily functions as a prepositional modifier, specifying the timing or condition of an event or state. As Ludwig AI explains, it pinpoints when something begins or is first observed. Examples like "at initial diagnosis" clarify its role in setting a temporal reference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

15%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at initial" is a prepositional phrase used to specify the beginning or starting point of a situation, process, or assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially within scientific and academic contexts. While versatile, it's essential to differentiate its usage from the adverb "initially". As shown in Ludwig's examples, "at initial" effectively sets a temporal reference for further analysis or comparison. To ensure clarity, consider alternatives like "at the start" or "in the beginning" based on the specific nuances you want to convey. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can confidently incorporate "at initial" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially

Single word adverb; emphasizes time more directly.

at the start

Replaces "initial" with "start", focusing on the commencement.

at the beginning

More explicit than "at initial"; emphasizes the temporal aspect.

in the beginning

Implies a broader, more fundamental sense of commencement.

at first

Simpler alternative, suitable for many contexts.

to begin with

Emphasizes the order of events, indicating a starting point.

in its infancy

Refers to the early stages of development, implying potential for growth.

upon commencement

Formal alternative; emphasizes the formal start of something.

in the early stages

Highlights that something is still in its beginning phase and not yet fully developed.

from the outset

Indicates the beginning phase but stresses that something started in a specific way.

FAQs

How can I use "at initial" in a sentence?

Use "at initial" to describe a condition or assessment at the beginning of a process. For example, "At initial assessment, the patient showed no signs of complications."

What are some alternatives to "at initial"?

You can use alternatives such as "initially", "at the start", or "in the beginning" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "at initial" or "initially"?

The choice depends on the context. "Initially" is an adverb that modifies a verb, while "at initial" is a prepositional phrase that describes a state or condition. Use "at initial" when referring to a specific point in time, like "at initial diagnosis".

What does "at initial presentation" mean?

"At initial presentation" refers to the state or condition of something when it is first introduced or displayed. This is often used in medical contexts to describe a patient's condition upon their first visit to a doctor or hospital.