initial

USAGE SUMMARY

'initial' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate the first occurrence or action of something. For example: "He made an initial investment of $1000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The multimedia project received initial funding of £25,902 from a creative councils initiative run by Nesta, the innovation agency.

The Guardian

So the fact that the TARP was eventually passed doesn't mean that the initial vote against it didn't matter.

The Economist

The move by the leaders of Germany and France, who were upset by Cameron's initial plan to deliver his speech on the same day as their celebration marking their historic post-war reconciliation, means negotiations could take place earlier than No 10 had expected.

The Guardian

There is no evidence of the preliminary tentative mark, of the initial hesitant touch of the pencil or crayon that would allow the artist to get his bearings and select the position for the first expressive line.

The Guardian - Arts

Protests, petitions, two call-ins of the plans by supportive councillors to the Overview and Scrutiny committee, a new (yet still flawed) consultation process in recognition of the initial inadequate attempt, and much publicity.

The Guardian - Books

But being blind can be a good thing too, as you can't see an interviewer's initial reaction to your disability".

The Guardian

Initial assessments found the airstrip sustained "minor to light" damage, and is open to medical emergency aircraft but not public flights.

The Guardian

My initial thought was: Golly, this is another world.

The Guardian

Kent police said they had been looking into reports of "disturbances" at a number of polling stations but that their initial inquiries suggested no offences had taken place.

The Guardian

Three nights with nothing to do but walk and read, and no one to worry about but myself - it sounds like bliss now I'm over my initial sad-sack mindset.

The Guardian - Travel

An initial report by Sir Roy warned this week that the current funding structure, supplemented by fare income of around £6bn a year, could be "unsustainable".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initial", ensure it clearly indicates the beginning or starting point of a process, event, or series. For clarity, follow "initial" with a noun that specifies what is beginning (e.g., "initial phase", "initial response").

Common error

Avoid using "initial" when you actually mean "final" or "ultimate". "Initial" always refers to the beginning, not the end. Double-check your writing to ensure you've used the correct term to avoid misleading your reader.

Linguistic Context

The word "initial" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that something is at the beginning or is the first of its kind. Ludwig examples showcase this usage clearly, aligning with its definition as something chronologically or spatially first.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial" is a versatile adjective used to denote the beginning or first stage of something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its frequency is very common, mainly in News & Media contexts. When using "initial", ensure clarity and precision in indicating the start of a process or sequence. Common errors include confusing it with "final". Alternatives include "first", "preliminary", and "opening". Ludwig can help you to verify the correctness of your sentence and give you inspiration for alternative options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first

Denotes the very beginning in a sequence or process.

preliminary

Suggests something done in preparation for a more comprehensive action.

opening

Implies the start or commencement of something.

incipient

Describes something in its early stages of development.

primary

Highlights the fundamental or original aspect.

starting

Indicates the commencement of an activity or process.

early

Refers to the initial phase or period of something.

original

Signifies the source or beginning from which something originates.

introductory

Pertains to the beginning or introduction of a subject.

nascent

Describes something newly born or emerging.

FAQs

How to use "initial" in a sentence?

Use "initial" as an adjective to describe the first stage, action, or response in a sequence. For example, "The "initial investment" was small, but it grew over time."

What can I say instead of "initial"?

You can use alternatives like "first", "preliminary", or "opening" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "initial assessment" or "final assessment"?

"Initial assessment" refers to the first evaluation, while "final assessment" refers to the concluding evaluation. The choice depends on which stage you are describing.

What's the difference between "initial" and "original"?

"Initial" describes the beginning of something, while "original" refers to the source or earliest form of something. For example, the "initial" plan might differ from the "original" concept.