discover initially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discover initially" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the first stage of finding out or learning something new. Example: "In the early stages of the project, we aim to discover initially the key challenges we might face."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

With more emphasis being placed on research in invertebrate systems, new neuropeptides are being discovered initially in these animals, and subsequently in vertebrates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The functions indicated for ALR and ERV proteins are the ones discovered initially.

Fibrogenesis and Tissue Repair

Discovered initially in the human major histocompatibility complex locus, the G9a genes are ubiquitously expressed.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The Su var)3-9 protein discovered initially in D. melanogaster (NP_524357) is the founding member of the family.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

We provide evidence for 29 new miRNA and miRNA-like sequences (24 novel sequences and 5 miRNAs discovered initially in other species).

BMC Genomics

Despite concerted efforts, few mutagens beyond direct-acting alkylating agents were discovered initially with these assays, and known rodent carcinogens other than direct-acting alkylating agents were largely negative in these assays.

Environmental Health Perspectives

This nonapeptide (or more precisely the octapeptide amide with amino acid sequence: Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) was discovered initially as a neuropeptide [ 4, 5].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

19 22 Mirror neurons were discovered initially in the premotor area (F5) of macaque monkeys and have since been identified in the rostral area of the inferior parietal lobule (PF) and the ventral premotor cortex.

BMJ Open

5- 8 Although sirolimus (rapamycin), the first mTOR inhibitor discovered, initially was developed as an immunosuppressive agent, preclinical studies in both in vitro and xenograft models have demonstrated that sirolimus inhibits the growth of several murine and human cancer cell lines.

Cancer

Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus was the first of the giant DNA viruses to be discovered, initially isolated in the search for the causative agent of pneumonia during a hospital outbreak in Bradford, UK [[ 1]].

BMC Biology

Indeed, the first one discovered was initially thought to be a bacterium, with comparable amounts of DNA.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discover initially", ensure that you emphasize the temporal sequence. Use it when you specifically want to highlight that the discovery occurred at the beginning of a process or investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "discover initially" when the context already implies that the discovery is the first one. Redundancy can make your writing sound clumsy. Choose a simpler alternative such as "first discover" or just "discover".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discover initially" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an act of finding something out. It specifies that the discovery is happening at the beginning of a process. Ludwig AI examples show its use in scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discover initially" is grammatically correct but not very frequent. It is used to emphasize that a discovery occurs at the beginning of a process or investigation. According to Ludwig AI analysis, it functions as a verb phrase highlighting the temporal aspect of the discovery. While grammatically sound, it is essential to avoid redundancy and ensure its specific nuance is relevant to the context. Consider using alternatives like "first discover" or "initially find" depending on the intended meaning. Due to its relative infrequency, carefully consider whether a more common synonym would improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first discover

Swaps 'initially' with 'first' for directness.

initially find

Replaces 'discover' with 'find', offering a slightly less formal tone.

begin to discover

Adds 'begin to' to emphasize the start of the discovery process.

first uncover

Uses 'uncover' instead of 'discover', suggesting a process of revealing something hidden.

originally discover

Replaces 'initially' with 'originally', focusing on the origin of the discovery.

early discovery

Transforms the phrase into a noun form, emphasizing the initial phase of discovery as a thing.

preliminary discovery

Emphasizes that the discovery is preliminary or not yet fully developed.

at first discover

Adds 'at first' for an emphasis on the temporal aspect of the discovery.

primary discovery

Highlights the discovery as the main or most important one at the beginning.

start discovering

Focuses on the action of beginning the process of discovery.

FAQs

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

You might use "discover initially" when explaining the early findings of a study or investigation. For example: "The researchers aimed to discover initially the key factors contributing to the disease's spread."

What is a good alternative to "discover initially"?

Consider using alternatives like "first discover", "initially find", or "begin to discover" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "discover initially"?

It can be redundant if the context already implies that it's the first discovery. In such cases, using just "discover" or "first discover" might be more concise.

What is the difference between "discover initially" and "originally discover"?

"Discover initially" emphasizes the timing of the discovery, while "originally discover" focuses on the origin or source of the discovery. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.