initial action

USAGE SUMMARY

"initial action" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to the first step or action taken to begin or initiate something. For example, "We took the initial action to set up the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The initial action will be among Democrats.

The New York Times

§ 658.702 Initial action by the Regional Administrator.

Cornell University

But the council has defended its initial action.

The Guardian

"This is an initial action," Mr. Nasser said of the job cuts announced on Friday.

The New York Times

But we still want to know where the initial action is".

The New York Times - Health

Its initial action was prompted by a complaint lodged by Sun Microsystems in 1998.

The New York Times

The unintended but welcomed outcome (a new client) was unrelated to the initial action (lunch with a friend).

Harvard Business Review

British Airways said that "appropriate initial action" had been taken in line with the AAIB's preliminary safety recommendation.

Independent

The Bush administration's initial action on Iraq was an ill-advised decision to assist opposition groups inside Iraq, even though they have little chance of undermining Mr. Hussein.

The New York Times

FDA has on several instances taken initial action to find itself quickly restrained either by Congress or by its own ambiguous feelings on the issue.

Harvard University

The official emphasized that most of the initial action would have to come from India, which must first reassure Washington that high-technology materials would not be misused or re-exported.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initial action" to clearly indicate the first step taken in a process or response to a situation. This provides clarity and emphasizes the starting point of subsequent activities.

Common error

Avoid using "initial action" when referring to the final result or consequence of a series of actions. "Initial action" specifically denotes the commencement, not the culmination, of an activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial action" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific action that serves as the beginning or starting point of a series of events or processes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial action" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the first step or measure taken in a process or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific domains. When writing, remember that "initial action" emphasizes the commencement of an activity, differentiating it from the eventual outcome. For alternatives, consider terms like "first step", "starting point", or "opening move" to add nuance or precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first step

Emphasizes the commencement of a process or activity.

starting point

Highlights the beginning or origin of something.

opening move

Suggests a strategic or calculated beginning.

preliminary measure

Focuses on actions taken in advance or as preparation.

launching action

Implies initiating or setting something in motion.

inaugural step

Highlights the formality or significance of the commencement.

first course of action

Specifically refers to the initial choice of strategy.

initial response

Focuses on the first reaction or answer to a situation.

primary initiative

Emphasizes the leading or most important initial effort.

beginning phase

Describes the initial stage or period of an activity.

FAQs

How can I use "initial action" in a sentence?

You can use "initial action" to describe the first step taken in a process. For example, "The "initial action" was to assess the damage".

What is a good substitute for the phrase "initial action"?

Alternatives to "initial action" include "first step", "starting point", or "opening move", depending on the specific context.

Is "initial action" formal or informal?

"Initial action" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it's a straightforward and commonly understood phrase.

What's the difference between "initial action" and "final action"?

"Initial action" refers to the first step or measure taken, while "final action" refers to the concluding or last step in a process. They represent opposite ends of a sequence.