at least initially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at least initially" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something may change over time, but is true or applicable at the beginning or outset of a situation. Example: "The project was successful at least initially, but we faced challenges as it progressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

At least initially.

The New York Times

Badly, at least initially.

Independent

The attention, at least initially, surprised them.

The New York Times - Sports

Not everyone was impressed, at least initially.

The New York Times

He's a fun dad, at least initially.

The New York Times

At least initially, few donors seemed to agree.

The New York Times

But the real gold, at least initially, is water.

The Guardian

The bonus is that it's free, at least initially.

The New York Times - Travel

The effort, at least initially, is paying off, he said.

The New York Times

Duterte, at least initially, took after his mother.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Derek attended therapy regularly with his mother and father--at least initially.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "at least initially" with a contrasting statement to highlight the change or potential for change over time. For example, "The software was free, at least initially, but now requires a subscription."

Common error

Avoid using "at least initially" if the situation remained constant throughout the entire duration. If something only happened initially, but not later, specify that more clearly. For example, instead of saying "The car's quality was poor at least initially", if it remained poor, say "The car's quality remained poor" or "The car's quality was consistently poor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at least initially" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify that a certain condition or state is true at the beginning. It indicates a temporary state and suggests a potential for change. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Huffington Post

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Forbes

5%

TechCrunch

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "at least initially" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a temporary or preliminary state. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to qualify a statement, implying that conditions may change over time, as evident in its frequent occurrence across news, media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential subsequent developments and avoid redundancy by ensuring that the initial state does, in fact, evolve. Alternatives such as "initially" or "at first" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially

A more direct synonym, simply stating the initial condition or phase.

at the outset

Emphasizes the very start or commencement of something.

to begin with

Indicates the starting point of a series of events or arguments; implies a sequence.

to start off

Similar to 'to begin with', but can also imply a method or approach.

in the beginning

Focuses on the earliest stage of something, often contrasting with later developments.

for starters

Suggests an introductory point or action among others to follow.

in the preliminary stage

Focuses on the preparatory or introductory phase before the main event.

at first glance

Implies a superficial assessment that may change upon closer inspection.

in its early stages

Highlights the immaturity or incomplete development of something.

at the jump

Informal, indicating the immediate beginning, often with a sense of energy.

FAQs

How can I use "at least initially" in a sentence?

You can use "at least initially" to indicate that something is true or applicable at the beginning of a situation, but might change later. For example, "The project was successful, "at least initially", but we faced challenges as it progressed."

What are some alternatives to "at least initially"?

Some alternatives include "initially", "at first", "in the beginning", or "to begin with", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "at least initially"?

While "initially" alone can convey the same basic meaning, using "at least initially" can add emphasis or caution, highlighting the possibility of change more explicitly. The redundancy can sometimes be useful for clarity.

What's the difference between "at first" and "at least initially"?

"At first" typically refers to the very beginning, while ""at least initially"" implies a slightly longer initial period and a clearer expectation that things may change later.