initial phrases

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "initial phrases" can be used to refer to the opening words or clauses of a sentence that provide context or introduce the main subject or action.
This term is commonly used in discussions of sentence structure and can be used in written English. For example: "In his initial phrases, the speaker outlined the main points of his argument before delving into the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The initial phrases sweep upward in a series of lyrical arcs to sustained top notes.

The New York Times - Arts

In the perception condition, each participant was presented with the initial phrases of 20 familiar tunes from his or her personal playlist; in approximately half, the second note was higher than the first and vice versa.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mason says it all in that initial phrase: "Turner often looks like a good player".

The New York Times

The banjo reappears maybe seven more times, once reverting to the initial phrase, and never for more than a second.

The New York Times - Arts

In the verb-agent-object sentences, the verb and agent were in the initial phrase.

Lingua

For each participant, a different random ordering of the initial phrase set was generated.

Plosone

The initial phrase consisted of identifying codes and giving them a distinct code.

BMC Infectious Diseases

In its initial phrase, it directly supports the roll-out of child-friendly school design and management in 5 of Angola's 18 provinces.

Unicef

During the initial phrase, six severely affected schools in two of the tsunami-struck southern provinces, Ranong and Phang-Nga, were chosen.

Unicef

A study on willow warblers (Phylloscopus trochilus) showed that males in a high-density population produced on average more "double songs" and more notes in the initial phrase of songs (Goretskaia 2004).

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology

He coaxed the initial yearning phrases from the orchestra, even if it meant that an entrance was not quite in sync.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initial phrases", ensure they clearly set the stage for the subsequent content, providing context or introducing the main topic effectively.

Common error

Avoid making your "initial phrases" too convoluted or dense. Clarity is crucial for capturing the audience's attention and ensuring they grasp the core message from the outset.

Linguistic Context

The function of "initial phrases" is primarily to introduce a topic, argument, or idea. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in setting the stage for subsequent content. The phrases serve as a foundation upon which the rest of the communication is built.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

34%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial phrases" refers to the opening words or clauses of a text or speech, serving to introduce the main topic and set the context. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and is employed across various domains, including science, news, and formal business settings. While alternatives such as "opening phrases" or "introductory phrases" can be used, it's important to prioritize clarity and conciseness in your "initial phrases" to effectively engage your audience from the start.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opening phrases

Replaces 'initial' with 'opening', emphasizing the start or commencement of the phrase.

introductory phrases

Substitutes 'initial' with 'introductory', highlighting the role of the phrases in introducing a topic or idea.

beginning phrases

Uses 'beginning' instead of 'initial', focusing on the start of a sequence of words.

starting phrases

Replaces 'initial' with 'starting', indicating the point from which something commences.

preliminary phrases

Emphasizes the preparatory or groundwork-laying nature of the phrases.

lead-in phrases

Highlights the function of the phrases in leading into a more detailed discussion.

first phrases

Directly indicates the phrases that occur at the beginning.

opening remarks

Shifts the focus to the initial words spoken or written, often in a formal setting.

introductory remarks

Similar to "opening remarks", this emphasizes the act of introducing a topic or discussion.

early phrases

Focuses on the temporal aspect, indicating phrases that occur at an early stage.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "initial phrases" in a sentence?

Use "initial phrases" to introduce the main topic or argument, providing necessary context or background information before delving into specifics. A clear and concise introduction sets the stage for what follows.

What are some alternatives to using "initial phrases"?

You can use alternatives like "opening phrases", "introductory phrases", or "beginning phrases" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "initial phrases" and "introductory remarks"?

"Initial phrases" generally refers to the first few words or clauses in a written text, while "introductory remarks" typically refers to the opening statements in a speech or presentation.

What makes "initial phrases" effective in writing?

Effective "initial phrases" are clear, concise, and engaging. They should quickly capture the reader's attention and provide a roadmap for the rest of the text, ensuring the reader understands the main point from the beginning.