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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
initial bid
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "initial bid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to auctions, negotiations, or any situation where an offer is made as a starting point. Example: "The initial bid for the painting was set at $5,000, attracting several interested buyers."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
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
58 human-written examples
It initial bid had been 47.2%.
News & Media
Apollo's initial bid was announced on March 13.
News & Media
21, the day before Shell's initial bid was announced.
News & Media
Gannett raised its initial bid several weeks later to $15 a share.
News & Media
The initial bid by Dakang was rejected on national security grounds in November last year.
News & Media
Two days after making their initial bid, the Mets found themselves out of the running yesterday.
News & Media
An initial bid to ban the party in 2003 failed for legal reasons.
News & Media
For months, Glencore seemed unwilling to budge on its initial bid.
News & Media
AMP had increased its initial bid to 12.9 billion Australian dollars.
News & Media
Dell's shares fell little after its initial bid or the subsequent offers.
News & Media
It is also 21 percent higher than Energy Transfer's initial bid.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing financial transactions or negotiations, use "initial bid" to clearly indicate the first offer made. This avoids ambiguity and sets a precise starting point for subsequent discussions.
Common error
Don't assume the "initial bid" represents the final terms. It's crucial to remember that the initial bid is merely the starting point, subject to negotiation and potential adjustments.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "initial bid" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the first offer made in a negotiation, auction, or tender process. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various business and financial contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
65%
Science
30%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "initial bid" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe the first offer in a negotiation or auction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and applicable in diverse contexts, primarily in news, business, and finance. Its function is to set a starting point for discussions, with a communicative purpose to inform and establish the opening terms of a transaction. While Ludwig highlights its use in a range of sources, including The New York Times and The Guardian, it is important to remember, the "initial bid" does not represent the definitive end result. Instead, it provides a crucial foundation for subsequent negotiations and potential alterations.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
opening offer
This alternative focuses on the act of offering something first, similar to an initial bid.
starting price
This term is more specific to auctions or sales, highlighting the initial value set for an item.
preliminary offer
This emphasizes the tentative or early nature of the bid.
first proposal
This alternative broadens the context to any kind of formal suggestion or plan.
original tender
This is suitable when referring to a formal submission of a bid.
base bid
Suggests the minimum or foundational bid amount.
introductory bid
Emphasizes that this is the first in a series of potential bids.
initial tender offer
Formal phrase typically used in business and financial contexts.
initial proposal
Highlights the offer as a structured suggestion or plan.
opening gambit
A more figurative term suggesting a strategic move at the beginning of negotiations.
FAQs
How to use "initial bid" in a sentence?
You can use "initial bid" to describe the first offer made in a negotiation or auction. For example, "The company rejected the competitor's "initial bid" as too low."
What can I say instead of "initial bid"?
Alternatives to "initial bid" include "opening offer", "starting price", or "preliminary offer" depending on the context.
When is it appropriate to use the term "initial bid"?
"Initial bid" is most appropriate in formal contexts such as business negotiations, auctions, or when discussing financial transactions where a formal offer is made.
What's the difference between "initial bid" and "final offer"?
The "initial bid" is the first offer made, while the "final offer" represents the last and usually best offer after negotiations. The initial bid is a starting point, while the final offer aims to conclude discussions.
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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
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested