initial consultation

USAGE SUMMARY

'initial consultation' is proper and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the first formal discussion between two people or groups, typically to discuss a proposed business arrangement or collaboration. For instance, "The two companies agreed to begin with an initial consultation to discuss the terms of a potential partnership."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Her initial consultation was $300.

The New York Times

The initial consultation is free.

The New York Times

Most will give a free initial consultation.

The Guardian - Money

Never a charge for initial consultation.

Cornell University

30 minute free initial consultation with appointment.

Cornell University

The first half hour of the initial consultation is free.

Cornell University

In February, they met for an initial consultation.

The New York Times

Its initial consultation paper makes for intriguing reading.

The Economist

I saw Spalding again in September, 2003, two months after our initial consultation.

The New Yorker

That option did not survive the initial consultation period and has never been seen since.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ask the counselor about initial consultation or meeting fees.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initial consultation" to denote the beginning of an engagement or process. This sets the stage for future interactions and establishes a professional tone from the outset.

Common error

Avoid using "initial consultation" when referring to subsequent meetings or discussions. The term specifically applies to the first meeting. Use "follow-up consultation" or "ongoing consultation" for later sessions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial consultation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it denoting the first meeting between a client and a professional or service provider.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial consultation" is a very common and grammatically correct term referring to the first meeting between parties to discuss services, needs, or collaborations. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Science. While primarily professional, its clarity and established meaning make it widely applicable. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "preliminary meeting" or "first appointment", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "initial consultation", ensure it accurately reflects the first meeting in a series, avoiding confusion with subsequent discussions. The term helps establish a professional tone and sets clear expectations from the outset.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first consultation

Simply rephrases "initial" as "first", maintaining the same meaning.

preliminary meeting

Replaces "consultation" with "meeting", suggesting a less formal discussion.

first appointment

Focuses on the scheduling aspect, indicating the first scheduled meeting.

introductory session

Highlights the introductory nature of the meeting.

initial assessment

Emphasizes the evaluation aspect of the first meeting.

exploratory discussion

Suggests an open-ended conversation to explore possibilities.

briefing session

Implies a session where information is provided initially.

kickoff meeting

Used particularly when referring to a consultation that serves as start of the project.

discovery call

Common in sales, emphasizing information gathering from the client.

scoping session

Highlights defining the scope of the work during the initial discussion.

FAQs

How do you use "initial consultation" in a sentence?

You can use "initial consultation" to describe the first meeting with a professional. For example, "I scheduled an "initial consultation" with a lawyer to discuss my case."

What's another way to say "initial consultation"?

Alternatives to "initial consultation" include "preliminary meeting", "first appointment", or "introductory session", depending on the specific context.

Is it common for companies to offer a free "initial consultation"?

Yes, many professionals, such as lawyers, financial advisors, and consultants, offer a free "initial consultation" to attract clients and provide an overview of their services.

What should I expect during an "initial consultation"?

During an "initial consultation", you can expect to discuss your needs, the professional's services, potential costs, and whether you are a good fit for each other. It's an opportunity to ask questions and gather information before committing to a longer engagement.