initial deposit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial deposit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the first payment made to open an account or secure a service, often in financial contexts. Example: "To secure your reservation, please make an initial deposit of $200."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

XTO Energy has already paid a $40 million initial deposit in accordance with the agreement.

The New York Times

After buying the kit, shoppers can make an initial deposit from the checkout line.

The New Yorker

My efforts to get the client's initial deposit refunded have been ignored by the lender.

The New York Times

The initial deposit, chalcedony, forms from a silica gel that surrounds and isolates the salt solution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Staneckzais made regular mortgage payments, with several family friends providing the initial deposit as a loan, he said.

The Guardian

They claim you can open an account and start trading within minutes, once you've made a minimum initial deposit.

The Guardian - Money

The housing association, Midland Heart, agreed to refund her initial deposit, but it was not obliged to do so.

The Guardian

That means buyers will not be able to count the funds towards their initial deposit required by mortgage lenders.

The Guardian

Mr. Napolitano was an elderly dockworker whose life savings of $220,000 made up the initial deposit.

The New York Times

But it has emerged that this is not paid until a property sale is completed, and so cannot be used to the initial deposit demanded by mortgage lenders.

The Guardian - Money

While a local bank examines the gas lease, the deal is on hold, and they were able to get their initial deposit back.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial matters, specify the exact amount of the "initial deposit" to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The initial deposit required to open the account is $500."

Common error

Avoid using "initial deposit" when referring to subsequent payments. "Initial deposit" specifically denotes the first payment made. Later payments should be referred to as "additional deposits" or simply "payments".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial deposit" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies the first payment made towards an account, service, or purchase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts. Examples include opening a bank account or securing a reservation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial deposit" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe the first payment made for an account, service, or purchase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While alternatives like "minimum deposit", "first installment", or "down payment" exist, "initial deposit" is broadly applicable. Ensure clarity by specifying the amount and avoiding redundancy by not saying "first initial deposit". It's frequently used in news, wiki, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimum deposit

Refers to the smallest amount required to open an account.

first installment

Focuses on the payment being the first of several.

preliminary payment

Emphasizes the payment's role as a preceding step.

opening balance

Highlights the establishment of a financial account.

down payment

Specifies a partial payment made upfront, often for large purchases.

start-up capital

Refers to the funds used to begin a business or project.

seed money

Implies an early investment to foster growth.

entry fee

Describes a charge for access or participation.

commencement funds

Highlights the funds used to start something.

qualifying deposit

Specifies the deposit needed to meet certain criteria.

FAQs

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

You can use "initial deposit" to describe the first payment made when opening an account or starting a service. For example, "The "minimum deposit" to open a savings account is $100."

What is another way to say "initial deposit"?

Alternatives to "initial deposit" include "minimum deposit", "first installment", or "opening balance", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "first initial deposit"?

No, saying "first initial deposit" is redundant. The word "initial" already implies that it is the first deposit, so just use "initial deposit".

What's the difference between "initial deposit" and "down payment"?

"Initial deposit" generally refers to the first payment for any account or service, while "down payment" specifically refers to a partial payment made upfront when purchasing a large item, like a house or car.