but initially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but initially" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a change in circumstances or perspective that occurred after a starting point. Example: "The project faced several challenges, but initially, we were optimistic about its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But initially strong sales soon withered.

The New York Times

But initially, there appeared to be obstacles.

The New York Times

But initially, the pros outweighed the cons.

The New York Times

But initially I didn't get far.

The Guardian

"But initially he found a lot of the jokes offensive".

The New York Times - Sports

But initially, New Jersey's politically powerful utility companies were dubious.

The New York Times

"But initially I didn't want to get involved".

The Guardian

But initially, the plan largely just rearranges the government's interests.

The New York Times

Shannon's attacker pleaded guilty, but initially received an absolute discharge.

Independent

But initially, Mr. Thaxton's Facebook writing worked in their favor.

The New York Times

But initially, not all students recognized a need to re-examine drinking on campus, Offorjebe said.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but initially", ensure a clear and direct contrast follows, avoiding ambiguity in the intended change or difference.

Common error

Avoid using "but initially" when the initial condition is not explicitly established or is unclear. Ensure the reader understands the starting state before introducing the contrasting information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but initially" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting two contrasting ideas or situations. It introduces a shift or change from an original state or expectation, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

22%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but initially" serves as a conjunctive phrase indicating a contrast or change from an original state. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While versatile, clarity in establishing the initial condition is crucial for effective use. Alternatives such as "at first" or "originally" can be considered for stylistic variation. The consistent usage and clear function of "but initially" make it a valuable tool for conveying shifts in information or perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

although, initially

This option uses "although" in place of "but" and retains "initially" for clarity, maintaining a similar structure.

however, at first

This alternative replaces "but initially" with a more direct contrast using "however" and specifies the temporal aspect with "at first".

yet, in the beginning

This option substitutes "but" with "yet" for a softer contrast and uses "in the beginning" to highlight the initial stage.

though, originally

This alternative employs "though" to introduce the contrasting element and "originally" to emphasize the initial condition.

however, in the first instance

This option replaces "but" with "however" for a clearer transition and specifies the start with the phrase "in the first instance".

on the other hand, to begin with

This alternative provides a stronger contrast with "on the other hand" and uses "to begin with" to denote the starting point.

conversely, at the outset

This phrase introduces a direct opposite with "conversely" and uses "at the outset" to signify the initial phase.

in contrast, primarily

This alternative emphasizes the contrast with "in contrast" and uses "primarily" to indicate the initial focus or aspect.

whereas, in the early stages

This option employs "whereas" to draw a distinction and "in the early stages" to define the initial period.

despite this, to start

This alternative uses "despite this" to show contradiction and "to start" to simplify the initial aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "but initially" in a sentence?

Use "but initially" to show a change from a starting point. For example, "The project seemed simple, "but initially" we encountered several unexpected challenges".

What are some alternatives to "but initially"?

You can use alternatives like "at first", "in the beginning", or "originally" depending on the context.

Is "but initially" formal or informal?

"But initially" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider using alternatives like "however, at first".

What is the difference between "but initially" and "but in the beginning"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "but initially" implies a more specific and direct shift from an initial state, whereas "but in the beginning" may refer to a broader or less defined starting period. They are often interchangeable, though ""but initially"" is generally more concise.