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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
in the initial times
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "in the initial times" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used when referring to a specific period at the beginning of an event or process, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "In the initial times of the project, we faced many challenges that we had to overcome."
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Figure 3 shows the rate of Pb2+ adsorption was fast in the initial times proportional to the enough available surface area on the adsorbent.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
In the model, a small portion of households are set to have adopted the innovation in the initial time.
By performing a linear fit of the hyperthermia data (temperature versus time) in the initial time interval, t = [1 10] s, we obtain the experimental value of.
Science
However, the water-cooled PRHRS heat transfer ability is stronger in the initial time, while it becomes weaker as the system tank water evaporates in the later stage.
Science
The disturbance, Equation (2), is imposed only in the initial time range, 0≤t<4, and the anomalous resistivity model, Equation (1), is assumed for t≥4.
Science
Similarly, the DIM uses the change in distance between two boundaries, one in the initial time step and one in subsequent time step, across different azimuths, to predict the future urban boundary.
Science
DDM employs a single urban boundary in the initial time step to predict the urban boundary in any subsequent time according to the increment of distances across different azimuths.
Science
The plots in Figure7 show that, especially in the initial time steps, when the posterior distribution of the states is strongly non-Gaussian as suggested by Figure6, the fully distributed ReDif-PF outperforms its linearized counterpart, the ReDif-EKF.
In our experiment, we define T = q · e-m t as our temperature function, wherein m controls the rate of exponential decay and q > 1 encourages the exploration of different strategies in the initial time steps.
As follows from this dependence, poly rI)∙poly rC) formation in solution is characterized with two stages: very fast kinetics in the initial time (nucleation and growth of helical regions, according to[40]) and very slow final phase.
Science
The experimental results revealed that adding no more than 3% capsules into the grouting material can meet the engineering requirements of flowing property (i.e., more than 300 mm in the initial time and more than 260���mm at 30 min) and compressive strength (i.e., over 35, 60 and 85 MPa at 1-day, 3-day and 28-day, respectively).
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
For formal writing, consider using alternatives like "initially" or "at first" as they are more common and less awkward than "in the initial times".
Common error
Avoid using phrases like "in the initial times" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound unnatural. Opt for more standard expressions such as "initially" or "in the beginning" to maintain clarity and flow.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "in the initial times" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by specifying the temporal context of an event or action. As Ludwig highlights, it is not a very common expression, thus less preferred in professional context.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Formal & Business
33%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "in the initial times" functions as a prepositional phrase that indicates the beginning or early stages of an event or process. Ludwig AI points out the phrase is grammatically acceptable, but less common compared to alternatives such as "initially" or "at first", and therefore may sound awkward in formal writing. With only 1 exact matching example, and a rare frequency, the phrase is not commonly used. The phrase appears in scientific sources. Therefore, while not incorrect, writers should opt for more common and natural-sounding alternatives to ensure clarity and maintain a consistent tone.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
initially
Adverbial form; direct and concise, indicating commencement.
at first
Indicates the beginning of an action or situation. More conversational.
in the beginning
Emphasizes the start; slightly broader scope.
in the early stages
Focuses on the developmental phase; less specific.
in the nascent phase
Highlights the early, emerging period; more formal.
in the preliminary period
Focuses on preparatory actions; slightly different focus.
at the starting point
Emphasizes origin and initial position.
during the kickoff
More idiomatic and informal; suggests an energetic start.
upon commencement
Formal and emphasizes the initiation of an event.
from the get-go
Very informal; implies a start with intent or readiness.
FAQs
What does "in the initial times" mean?
The phrase "in the initial times" refers to the beginning period or early stages of an event or process. However, it's not a very common phrase in contemporary English.
Are there better alternatives to "in the initial times"?
Yes, more common and natural-sounding alternatives include "initially", "at first", or "in the beginning".
Is "in the initial times" grammatically incorrect?
No, the phrase "in the initial times" isn't grammatically incorrect, but it's stylistically awkward and less common than other similar expressions.
When is it appropriate to use "in the initial times"?
While you could use "in the initial times" to refer to a starting phase, it's often clearer and more effective to choose alternatives like "in the early stages" or "at the outset" for better readability.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested