initial draft

USAGE SUMMARY

"initial draft" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a preliminary version of something that may be revised or improved upon later. For example, "I submitted my initial draft for the essay."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She initiated this paper and wrote the initial draft.

Health Research Policy and Systems

The initial draft involved Herefords.

The New York Times

R.M. edited an initial draft.

Nature

C.L. wrote the initial draft.

Nature

An initial draft included subplots that were eventually dropped.

The Guardian - Film

edited the initial draft and supervised the project.

Nature

A.D'A. and A.C. wrote the initial draft of the manuscript.

Nature

YZ wrote the initial draft.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

NAR wrote the initial draft.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

The initial draft expanded into this column.

TechCrunch

Once your initial draft is done, it's time to edit.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a document that will undergo revisions, use "initial draft" to clearly indicate its preliminary status.

Common error

Avoid treating the "initial draft" as a finished product. Ensure it's reviewed and revised thoroughly, recognizing that it's a starting point, not the final version.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial draft" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely recognized and used to refer to the first version of a document or piece of writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "initial draft" is a common and correct way to refer to the first version of a document, suitable for a range of contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While alternatives like "first version" or "rough draft" exist, "initial draft" is widely understood and frequently used in both scientific and media publications. Remember that the "initial draft" is a starting point, not the final destination. As Ludwig's examples show, revisions and refinements are expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first version

Focuses on the sequence of versions, indicating it's the earliest.

preliminary version

Emphasizes that it is subject to further changes and not final.

rough draft

Highlights the unrefined nature of the document.

early version

Similar to first version, but with a nuance of an ongoing project.

trial version

Suggests the version is for testing and evaluation.

pilot version

Implies it's the first version being used in a real situation or project.

original version

Focuses on the version as the source from which others are derived.

baseline draft

Highlights that it serves as a point of comparison for subsequent drafts.

prototype draft

Indicates the version is a model or example.

development draft

Focuses on the version as part of an ongoing development process.

FAQs

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

You can use "initial draft" to refer to the first version of a document or piece of writing before revisions. For example, "The professor asked us to submit our "initial draft" for feedback."

What's a good alternative to "initial draft"?

Alternatives include "first version", "preliminary version", or "rough draft", depending on the specific context and the stage of completion you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "initial draft" and "final draft"?

Yes. "Initial draft" refers to the very first version of a document, while "final draft" signifies the version that is considered complete and ready for submission or publication. After the "initial draft", there are typically revisions before the "final draft".

What does it mean to prepare an "initial draft"?

Preparing an "initial draft" means creating the first version of a document by putting your ideas and thoughts into writing. This version is usually not perfect and serves as a starting point for further development and refinement. Don't expect your "initial draft" to be flawless.