initial email

USAGE SUMMARY

"initial email" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a message someone has sent for the first time, usually via email. For example, "I responded to her initial email and she replied quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Do an initial email check and hold team catchup meetings.

The Guardian

But Airbnb's initial email responses politely turned him away.

The New York Times

"Sure," Allison scoffs, before deadpanning that her initial email, "sounds creepy – it wasn't".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The initial email dump was apparently timed to disrupt the Copenhagen climate talks.

The Guardian

In our initial email exchanges Bibhuti was guarded, bemused by the interest I showed in him.

The Guardian

It began to look like her initial email was a hoax, but even so Diana's myth spread just the same.

The Guardian

6.58pm BST "Didn't see your earlier comment on Cesc before I sent my initial email," says Daniel Finucane.

The Guardian - Sport

However, an initial email or phone call offers a softer way of finding out how a gallery or shops like to start negotiations.

The Guardian

Instead, please email [email protected] and request to start the process (do not include any ID in the initial email).

University of California, Berkeley

In an initial email, he responded as follows: "This is one of those cases where a competitor has made a campaign out of it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

After an initial email/phone screen, potential study subjects were invited to participate in a screening visit.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional communication, clearly state the purpose of your "initial email" to set expectations and facilitate a prompt response.

Common error

Avoid using overly casual language or jargon in your "initial email", especially when contacting someone for the first time. Ensure your message is clear, concise, and respectful to establish a positive first impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial email" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "initial" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "email". It serves to specify and identify the first email in a sequence of correspondence. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its descriptive use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial email" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer to the first email in a communication sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. To ensure effective communication, especially in professional settings, it's crucial to maintain clarity and avoid assumptions of familiarity. Consider using alternatives like "first email" when appropriate. By following these guidelines, you can confidently use "initial email" in your writing to establish context and set clear expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first email

Replaces "initial" with "first", emphasizing the chronological order.

introductory email

Substitutes "initial" with "introductory", highlighting the purpose of the email as an introduction.

preliminary email

Replaces "initial" with "preliminary", indicating that the email is a first step or preparation.

first message

Uses "message" instead of "email", broadening the context to any type of messaging.

opening email

Replaces "initial" with "opening", emphasizing the start of a communication.

original email

While similar, it may imply that the email is unique or not a copy.

primary email

Focuses on the email being of primary importance or sequence.

starting email

Highlights the beginning of an email exchange.

earliest email

Indicates the email is the earliest in a series of correspondence.

founding email

Less common, this suggests the email establishes a new communication or relationship.

FAQs

How can I make my "initial email" more effective?

To improve effectiveness, personalize your message, clearly state your purpose, keep it concise, and include a call to action. Proofread carefully before sending.

What should I include in an "initial email" to a potential employer?

Include a concise introduction of yourself, mention the specific position you're interested in, highlight relevant skills and experiences, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Which is a good alternative to "initial email"?

A suitable alternative is "first email", which conveys the same meaning of the first message sent.

What's the difference between "initial email" and "follow-up email"?

The "initial email" is the first message you send to someone, while a "follow-up email" is a subsequent message sent to elicit a response or continue the conversation.