initial planning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial planning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the beginning stages of something that requires planning or organizing, such as a project, event or business. For example: "The initial planning for the summer picnic has begun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Initial planning began in September 2015.

The Guardian

The initial planning should be completed early next year.

The New York Times

"This was still in the initial planning stages.

The New York Times

The two friends meet in Washington for an initial planning session.

The New York Times

Ms. Deeks did credit America West for including its flight attendants in the initial planning stages for the program.

The New York Times

For example, in Chipendeke in Zimbabwe, initial planning for hydropower failed to fully accommodate existing irrigation needs.

The Guardian

On The Run, they're working collaboratively in small groups building the game together from initial planning to structure and development.

The Guardian - Tech

"We were dealing with an unprecedented situation," the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said of the initial planning for determining the amounts of the grants.

The New York Times

Many recall the automatic drawing of Max Ernst or André Masson, midcentury surrealists who created flowing, biomorphic patterns without initial planning.

The Guardian - Arts

4. WRAP-UP/HOMEWORK: After all of the initial planning has been completed, each group should create a print advertisement (8.5 x 11″ size) for their new businesses.

The New York Times

Initial planning for new condominiums -- perhaps with the exception of those of Mr. Trump, whose imprimatur has its own momentum -- seems to be grinding to a halt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When documenting project development, clearly distinguish between the "initial planning" phase and subsequent stages like implementation and evaluation.

Common error

Avoid treating "initial planning" as a static, unchangeable blueprint. Recognize that plans often need to be revisited and revised as new information emerges or circumstances change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial planning" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the commencement or early phase of a planning process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial planning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe the beginning stages of a planning process. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse fields. While the phrase itself is straightforward, nuances can be added by using alternatives like "preliminary planning" or "early stage planning". When using the phrase, avoid redundancy and remember that plans should be iterative. Its prevalence in news, science, and business highlights its versatility and importance in clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary planning

Replaces "initial" with "preliminary", emphasizing the early and tentative nature of the planning.

early stage planning

Substitutes "initial" with "early stage", directly indicating the temporal aspect of the planning phase.

beginning planning

Uses "beginning" in place of "initial", focusing on the commencement of the planning process.

first phase planning

Emphasizes that the planning is in its "first phase", highlighting the sequential nature of the process.

kickoff planning

Employs "kickoff" to signify the start and initial energy behind the planning efforts.

starting planning

Uses "starting" instead of "initial" to indicate the commencement of the planning activities.

foundational planning

Replaces "initial" with "foundational", stressing the importance of this planning as a base for future steps.

basic planning

Emphasizes the elementary and fundamental aspect of the planning at this stage.

initial preparation

Focuses more on the preparatory aspect rather than the planning itself.

nascent planning

Uses "nascent" to describe the planning as just coming into existence or showing potential.

FAQs

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

You can use "initial planning" to describe the early stages of organizing a project. For instance, "The success of the project hinged on careful "initial planning"."

What are some alternatives to "initial planning"?

Alternatives include "preliminary planning", "early stage planning", or "beginning planning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "initial planning stages"?

While not strictly incorrect, "initial planning stages" can be seen as slightly redundant since "initial" already implies the beginning. Using just "initial planning" is often sufficient.

What's the difference between "initial planning" and "strategic planning"?

"Initial planning" refers to the early phase of organizing any project, while "strategic planning" involves setting long-term goals and determining how to achieve them. Strategic planning is usually more comprehensive.