encountered initially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encountered initially" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first instance or moment when something was met or experienced. Example: "The challenges we encountered initially were more difficult than we had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

No Japanese opposition was encountered initially, allowing the Chindits to cross the Chindwin River and advance into Burma unimpeded.

Wikipedia

The 2nd and Rifle Brigades quickly moved forward; the surviving German soldiers encountered initially were still dazed from the detonation of the mines and were quickly subdued and made prisoners of war.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For example, E. coli and related bacteria show increased accumulation of RpoS, a specialised sigma factor, to allow cells to become more resistant not only to the stress that they encounter initially, but also to other stressful treatments.

BMC Genomics

The first was his encounter, initially through ski-ing, with mountains: "I was intoxicated by the whole experience, the hurling of our bodies uncontrollably down an almost vertical slope".

The Guardian

Even though it happens to be Sept. 12, 2001, and everyone is seriously unsettled, the encounter initially progresses according to formula, right down to the cutely obnoxious next-door neighbor who will not leave the couple alone.

The New York Times

Applications that encounter initially biased sequences do not require the increased capacity of the HiSeq 2000, and are more likely to be sequenced on GAIIx and GAIIe systems, which continue to be marketed.

Plosone

Voters initially encountered confusion and long lines today when they tried to cast ballots.

The New York Times

Aldridge managed to board a ship to England but initially encountered the same sort of racist treatment.

The Guardian

Wolsey is initially encountered at the peak of his powers, a leopard of a man, clad in scarlet so fine he likes to be priced by the yard.

The Guardian - Books

This slow adjustment is important because it mimics the delayed reaction or disbelief one might experience when such a troubling and disorienting view is initially encountered.

The New York Times

Tracing the history of WikiLeaks' activities, Mr. Benkler said it had initially encountered skepticism over the authenticity of the documents it published.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "encountered initially" to describe the first time someone or something was met or experienced. This phrase is particularly useful in narratives and reports where chronology is important.

Common error

Avoid using "encountered initially" when the encounter wasn't actually the first. Ensure the situation you're describing truly represents the first instance, otherwise, use alternatives like "subsequently encountered" or "later experienced".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encountered initially" functions as a verb phrase, modifying a noun by specifying when an experience or meeting took place. It adds chronological detail to the narrative. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "encountered initially" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the first instance of an experience or meeting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure that you are indeed referring to the first instance and that it adds meaningful chronological context. Alternatives such as "first encountered" or "initially met" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "encountered initially" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first encountered

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of being the first to encounter something.

initially met

Focuses on the act of meeting someone or something for the first time.

originally discovered

Highlights the act of finding or learning about something for the first time.

at first experienced

Emphasizes the initial experience of something, which may or may not involve encountering it.

initially faced

Focuses on the confrontation or dealing with something at the beginning.

initially confronted

Similar to 'initially faced' but suggests a more direct or challenging encounter.

first came across

Indicates finding or discovering something by chance or unexpectedly.

early experience with

Highlights early experiences and emphasizes personal involvement.

initial exposure to

Implies the first instance of being subjected to or affected by something.

began with

Describes starting a process, phase or an interaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "encountered initially" to describe the first time someone experienced something, such as "The problems we "encountered initially" were more complex than anticipated".

What phrases are similar to "encountered initially"?

Similar phrases include "first encountered", "initially met", or "originally discovered", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "encountered initially" and "first encountered"?

While both phrases are similar, "first encountered" places more emphasis on the chronological order, whereas "encountered initially" highlights the starting point of an experience or interaction. They are often interchangeable, though context may favor one over the other.

When is it inappropriate to use "encountered initially"?

Avoid using "encountered initially" if you are not referring to the very first instance of an experience or meeting. In such cases, consider using alternatives such as "subsequently encountered" or "later experienced".