initial and final

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial and final" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the starting and ending points of a process, sequence, or event. Example: "The initial and final stages of the project require careful planning to ensure success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Finally, Table 3 depicts the initial and final markings of tokens after firing all the transitions.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Initial and final interviews were conducted by telephone.

Columbia University

For the superallowed transitions the orbitals in initial and final states are almost the same.

Britannica

where Xi and Xf are the initial and final cell count respectively.

Nature

initial and final positions, not on path or time taken to traverse it.

Princeton University

The "tank problem" is unsteady so the initial and final enthalpies are not the same.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MP 2..3 When is enthalpy the same in initial and final states?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If the change in kinetic energy is negligible, the initial and final enthalpy is the same.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Initial and final weight and moisture content were measured in each sheet.

Journal of Food Engineering

The initial and final concentrations of MO were determined using a UV visible spectrophotometer.

Chemical Engineering Journal

Public high school teenagers have lower initial and final knowledge about nutrition than charter school teenagers.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initial and final", ensure the context clearly defines what is starting and ending. For instance, "the initial and final stages of the experiment" provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "initial and final" when referring to intermediate steps or continuous processes. It's best suited for discrete beginnings and ends, not ongoing changes. For example, instead of "the initial and final temperature adjustments", use "temperature adjustments throughout the process" if adjustments are continuous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial and final" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun, specifying the starting and ending points or states. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and usable English construction. For example, "initial and final conditions".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

News & Media

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial and final" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves as a compound adjective, predominantly employed in formal and scientific contexts to define the beginning and ending states of a process or measurement. While alternatives like "beginning and end" or "start and finish" exist, "initial and final" is favored for its precision in technical writing. Ensure its use is limited to situations with clear starting and ending points to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning and end

This alternative uses more common vocabulary, making it suitable for informal contexts. It emphasizes the temporal aspect of start and finish.

start and finish

Similar to "beginning and end", this option is more straightforward and commonly used, especially in instructions or descriptions of processes.

first and last

This alternative emphasizes the ordinal position in a sequence, rather than the process itself.

opening and closing

Suitable when referring to events or procedures that have a defined opening and closing phase.

commencement and termination

This pair is more formal and often used in legal or official documents to indicate the start and end of an agreement or process.

inception and completion

Focuses on the creation and finalization of something, often used in project management or construction.

outset and conclusion

Similar to "commencement and termination", but slightly less formal. It's useful in describing the beginning and the end of a project or event.

source and destination

Appropriate when discussing the origin and endpoint of a movement or transfer.

alpha and omega

A more figurative and literary way to express the beginning and end, often used to denote completeness or totality.

introduction and epilogue

Specifically applies to written works or performances, referring to the beginning and concluding sections.

FAQs

How can I use "initial and final" in a sentence?

You can use "initial and final" to describe the start and end points of a process, state, or measurement. For example: "The "initial and final results" were compared to assess the treatment's effectiveness."

What are some alternatives to "initial and final"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "beginning and end", "start and finish", or "first and last".

When is it appropriate to use "initial and final" rather than "beginning and end"?

"Initial and final" is often preferred in more formal or technical contexts, such as scientific reports or official documents. "Beginning and end" is generally suitable for more casual or general usage.

Is "initial and final" always the best choice for describing the start and end of something?

Not always. The best choice depends on the context. For processes, you might consider "start and completion". For a sequence, "first and last" could be more appropriate. Consider the specific nuance you wish to convey.