done so initially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "done so initially" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an action that was completed at the beginning of a process or situation. Example: "The project was successful because the groundwork was done so initially, allowing for a smooth progression."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have found that 61% of all organizations that undertook an outsourcing initiative did so, initially, for only cost objectives.

Forbes

Though she succeeded handsomely in Hollywood, she did so initially feeling like an outsider.

The New York Times

It did so initially out of opposition to Mr. Assad, a longtime enemy, and later to encourage those groups to fight the Islamic State.

The New York Times

One relative said that he applied just to block another family member who had done so first -- even though he had no intention of doing so initially because he considered the fund "blood money".

The New York Times

Dr. Bearman said he did not know whether the teenagers who had broken their pledges did so initially with their fiancés or with others, because the data had not yet been analyzed.

The New York Times

Many did so initially because they liked the idea of having an alternative to the dollar, but then funds invested heavily on the mistaken conviction that the euro was overdue for a rebound after its early declines.

The New York Times

The series became an early classic of science-fiction television, and later, Hayes directed three Doctor Who stories – although was reluctant to do so initially, regarding the programme as "a children's show with dodgy effects" and admitting to being "toffee-nosed" about working on it.

Independent

In the legal application drawn up by his lawyers Sheppard said he had returned to animal rights campaigning "but did so initially on the basis of entirely lawful protest including leafleting and demonstrating at stores that were connected with animal experimentation".

The Guardian

Whereas it is indeed true that many aid agencies removed from the field for security reasons and thereafter began to technologize their operations, some agencies end up in remotely managed programs and projects without the intention to do so initially but simply as a result of the lack of perceived need to send seniors into the volatile field when humanitarian technologies are available.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

We need better, and continuing, training in haemodynamic monitoring, which has evolved over time (and continues to do so); initially filling pressures were monitored, then cardiac output measurements were added, and then mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) measurements (and there are still people who do not measure SvO2).

Critical Care

Myriad contributed to BIC into 2004, but then stopped doing so, initially because of technical issues, but by 2006, it was a deliberate strategy to build a database that would leverage the company's large testing experience into a proprietary database that would not expire with Myriad's patents.

Genome Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "done so initially" to clearly indicate that an action was performed at the beginning of a process or situation, setting the stage for subsequent events or actions.

Common error

Avoid using "done so initially" redundantly. Ensure that specifying the initial nature of the action adds significant context or clarity. If the timing is already clear, a simpler phrasing might be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "done so initially" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, indicating that an action was performed at the beginning of a process or situation. It specifies the timing of the action and provides context for understanding its role in a sequence of events. According to Ludwig, this is a valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "done so initially" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize that an action was performed at the beginning of a process or situation. While Ludwig confirms its validity, the phrase appears to be infrequent based on current data. To ensure clarity and impact, writers should use it judiciously, making sure its usage adds significant context, rather than being redundant. Alternatives like "initially did that" may offer simpler phrasing depending on the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially did that

Reverses the order of the words, emphasizing the initial action.

at first did so

Uses "at first" to highlight the temporal aspect of the action.

originally acted thus

Employs "originally" and a more formal "thus" for a different tone.

began by doing that

Focuses on the beginning of an action.

started off that way

Informal phrasing indicating an initial course of action.

in the beginning did that

More emphatic way to show the timing of the action at the initial stages.

first did this

Uses "first" to explicitly state the order of actions.

primarily did that

Indicates the main reason or purpose at the beginning.

as a first step did that

Explicitly frames it as the opening step.

to begin with did that

Suggests an action taken as a starting point.

FAQs

How can I use "done so initially" in a sentence?

You can use "done so initially" to emphasize that an action was completed at the start of a process or event. For example, "The project was successful because the groundwork was "done so initially", allowing for a smooth progression."

What are some alternatives to "done so initially"?

Alternatives include "initially did that", "at first did so", or "originally acted thus", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "initially done so" and "done so initially"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, ""done so initially"" is slightly more common and emphasizes the completion of the action at the beginning. "Initially done so" places more emphasis on the timing but may sound less natural.

When is it better to use simpler phrases instead of "done so initially"?

If the initial timing of the action is obvious from the context, using a simpler phrase like "initially did that" or omitting the adverb altogether might be clearer and more concise.