initial opportunity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial opportunity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first chance or possibility to do something, often in a business or project context. Example: "We are excited to present our initial opportunity for collaboration with your team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

His actions have so far strayed from those words, having consciously let his initial opportunity to play in the N.B.A. pass by.

The New York Times - Sports

Wednesday's first debate in Denver provides Romney with his initial opportunity to make a game of it, but has he got the internal fire and fortitude to hole a lengthy putt at a crucial moment?

The New Yorker

"Initially we are focused very much on entry-level smartphones, because we think there is a big market there," said Gal. "Over time we would like to compete with iPhones and Android handsets, but we just don't think the initial opportunity makes sense".

The Guardian - Tech

Twitch also says that while Partners are getting the initial opportunity to claim the names, the remaining names will be released to the public next week.

TechCrunch

Rodgers declined an initial opportunity to speak to Liverpool about the vacancy 12 days ago before changing his mind and Mourinho believes he can make a good impression at Anfield.

BBC

"EDG ferrets out ideas from the laboratories and gives them a great initial opportunity to get developed and refined," says Mui. Mui comes with a strong university-based entrepreneurial pedigree, having previously founded both the MIT Entrepreneurs Club and the MIT 10K Business Plan Competition.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Even though he expects most initial opportunities will be fairly low-paying basic industrial jobs, the local government will mandate policies that ensure retirement savings, health care and education.

The New York Times - Magazine

According to him, justice requires initial equality of opportunity, and this can be achieved through a scheme that provides equality of initial opportunities for advantage and no compensation for bad option outcome luck.

SEP

However, if two people face the same initial risk of developing malaria and have equally good initial opportunities, justice does not require us to compensate the one who gets malaria as a result of bad brute luck.

SEP

The initial opportunities for individuals that justice guarantees need not be equal across individuals, because what anyone is owed is set by the insurance decisions the average member of the community would make.

SEP

Studying youthful drug involvement in the Republic of Chile, we sought to replicate North American research findings about the earliest stages of drug involvement (e.g., initial opportunities to use tobacco and alcohol, and transitions leading toward illegal drug use).

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initial opportunity" when you want to emphasize that something is the very first chance to do something. It is appropriate for formal and professional contexts, as well as news reporting.

Common error

While "initial opportunity" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound stiff. In casual conversation or less formal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "first chance" or "first shot".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial opportunity" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "initial" modifies the noun "opportunity". It identifies the very first chance or occasion to do something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "initial opportunity" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the very first chance or possibility to engage in something. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and is employed across diverse fields such as science, news, and business. While versatile, it leans towards a more formal tone. For more casual settings, consider alternatives like "first chance". When writing, be mindful not to overuse it to avoid sounding overly formal, and always tailor your language to the context. Some alternative phrases like "first opportunity" or "primary opportunity" can be used to add variety. Several authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its usage across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first chance

This alternative focuses on the temporal aspect of being the very first possibility.

first opportunity

Replaces "initial" with its direct synonym "first", maintaining the same meaning.

primary opportunity

Substitutes "initial" with "primary", emphasizing the importance or main aspect of the chance.

opening gambit

Implies a strategic or calculated first move or chance, usually in a competitive setting.

starting point

Focuses on the beginning of a process or venture, shifting the emphasis slightly.

early prospect

Highlights the potential or possibility available at an early stage.

preliminary option

Emphasizes the tentative or experimental nature of the first chance.

original possibility

Focuses on the concept of it being the first considered or available.

maiden chance

Uses a more formal or literary term for a first opportunity, suitable for specific contexts.

incipient moment

Shifts the focus to the very beginning or start, but remains close in meaning.

FAQs

What does "initial opportunity" mean?

The phrase "initial opportunity" refers to the first chance or possibility available to do something. It emphasizes that this is the beginning or earliest point at which action can be taken.

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

You can use "initial opportunity" when describing the start of a project, a first attempt, or the earliest chance to engage with something. For example, "The conference provides an "initial opportunity" to network with industry leaders."

What are some alternatives to "initial opportunity"?

Some alternatives to "initial opportunity" include "first chance", "first opportunity", or "primary opportunity". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "initial opportunity" formal or informal?

"Initial opportunity" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "first chance" or "first shot".