has initiative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has initiative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who takes action independently and shows a willingness to take the lead or start projects without being prompted. Example: "In her role as a project manager, she has initiative and often proposes new ideas to improve team efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

has initiative, flexibility and the ability to act independently.

Harvard University

SARAH GREEN CARMICHAEL: So has initiative overload always been a problem or are initiatives more popular now?

Harvard Business Review

We seek a team member who takes pride in themself, their work and has initiative to go above and beyond required duties to exceed customer expectations and to be a partner in growing the business.

Cornell University

One befriending programme rated potential volunteers from 0 to 10 on the criteria: 'reliable, responsible, conscientious, has initiative, adaptable, prepared to receive and accept feedback, good listening skills, non-judgemental, ability to learn new skills, and awareness of boundaries' [ 22].

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Arizona has initiatives on the November ballot to reduce possession penalities.

The New York Times

The US military, the army in particular, already has initiatives for space defence.

The Guardian - Tech

UNICEF has initiatives to improve how justice systems in 11 countries deal with children.

Unicef

"You'd better have initiative and be a self-starter".

The Guardian - Money

It tells the tutor you have initiative and a critical creative interest.

The Guardian

To have initiative and drive, but also to be patient.

Huffington Post

At this point 27 states have initiative and 24 have referendum.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a candidate or employee, use "has initiative" to emphasize their ability to independently start and complete tasks without constant supervision. For instance, 'The ideal candidate has initiative and can identify areas for improvement within the team.'

Common error

Avoid using "has initiative" in passive constructions, as it diminishes the sense of agency. Instead of 'Initiative is had by the employee', use 'The employee has initiative' to clearly attribute the quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has initiative" functions as a descriptor, attributing a quality of being proactive and self-starting to a person or entity. Ludwig examples show it used to describe desirable traits in employees or volunteers.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has initiative" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone who is proactive and self-starting. According to Ludwig's analysis, the phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. While not extremely common, it is a valuable descriptor in professional settings, emphasizing the ability to act independently. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase, suggesting alternatives such as "shows initiative" or "is a self-starter" for variety. When writing, ensure the phrase is used in an active voice to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a self-starter

Indicates someone who can begin tasks independently.

shows initiative

Emphasizes the act of demonstrating proactive behavior.

is proactive

Focuses on acting in advance to deal with expected changes or difficulties.

is resourceful

Highlights the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

is enterprising

Suggests a readiness to undertake new or difficult projects.

demonstrates resourcefulness

More formal way to express being resourceful.

takes the lead

Highlights the act of assuming a leadership position.

is forward-thinking

Emphasizes planning and anticipation.

is motivated

Highlights the internal drive and enthusiasm.

displays a can-do attitude

Focuses on positive and proactive approach to challenges.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "has initiative" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "demonstrates initiative", "exhibits proactivity", or "displays resourcefulness".

What's the difference between "has initiative" and "takes initiative"?

"Has initiative" describes a general quality or characteristic, while "takes initiative" refers to a specific action or instance where someone demonstrates that quality.

Is it better to say someone "has initiative" or is a "self-starter"?

Both "has initiative" and "is a self-starter" are positive attributes, but "self-starter" specifically emphasizes the ability to begin tasks independently, whereas "has initiative" can encompass a broader range of proactive behaviors.

What are some keywords related to "has initiative" that I can include in a resume?

Related keywords include "proactive", "resourceful", "self-motivated", "enterprising", "solution-oriented", and "takes ownership".