initial remarks

USAGE SUMMARY

'initial remarks' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a set of introductory statements at the start of a formal event or conversation. For example, "The panel began their presentation with some initial remarks about the purpose of the symposium."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hillary Clinton described Trump's initial remarks as "horrific and telling".

The New Yorker

But his initial remarks left a lasting impression of overconfidence.

The New York Times

Parker told Ebony that those initial remarks came from a "standpoint of ignorance".

The Guardian - Film

In your initial remarks you more or less acknowledged the grim fiscal outlook.

The New York Times

At some point Lord's defenses — rather than his initial remarks — became the main discussion topic.

The Washington Post

It was unclear whether Mr. Chirac's initial remarks reflected what he truly believes.

The New York Times

Frieden also apologized Monday for his initial remarks about the nurse's infection.

The Washington Post

After its initial remarks, Apple has refused comment on the legislation.

The Washington Post

In her initial remarks to the passengers before boarding, the gate agent uses the phrase "bright and cheerful" three times.

The New York Times - Magazine

Though Tillerson's initial remarks seemed off-script, he and Pence spoke twice during his trip abroad, an administration official said.

The Washington Post

After his initial remarks the Conservative Party chairman, Grant Shapps, took to the airwaves to criticise his Cabinet colleague.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the audience and purpose of the "initial remarks" to ensure they are appropriate and engaging.

Common error

Avoid turning "initial remarks" into a lengthy address. Keep them concise and focused on introducing the main topic or speaker. A brief, engaging start is more effective than a drawn-out preamble.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial remarks" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to introductory comments or statements made at the beginning of an event or conversation. Ludwig AI validates its usage and offers numerous examples from credible sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial remarks" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that refers to introductory comments or statements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, but particularly common in News & Media, Business, and Academic writing. While similar phrases exist, such as "opening statement" or "preliminary comments", "initial remarks" strikes a balance between formality and accessibility. When using this phrase, ensure it is concise and sets the tone for the subsequent discussion or presentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opening statement

Focuses on a formal declaration or presentation at the start.

preliminary comments

Highlights the introductory and often less formal nature of the comments.

introductory speech

Emphasizes a more structured and prepared presentation.

first words

Highlights the chronological aspect of being the very first utterances.

opening address

Suggests a formal and official delivery to an audience.

lead-in comments

Implies comments that smoothly transition into the main topic.

starting comments

Similar to "initial remarks" but can sound slightly less formal.

early statements

Focuses on the timing of the statements.

kick-off speech

Implies the start of something bigger, like a campaign or project.

preamble

Refers to an introduction or preliminary statement, often setting the stage for something more significant.

FAQs

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

You can use "initial remarks" to refer to the introductory comments at the beginning of a speech, meeting, or formal event. For example, "The chairman's "initial remarks" set a positive tone for the conference".

What phrases are similar to "initial remarks"?

Similar phrases include "opening statement", "preliminary comments", or "introductory speech". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Are "initial remarks" the same as a summary?

"Initial remarks" are introductory and set the stage, while a summary provides a condensed overview of what has already been discussed or presented. Therefore, they serve different purposes.

What is the appropriate tone for "initial remarks"?

The tone of "initial remarks" should align with the event's overall atmosphere. It can be formal, neutral, or slightly informal, depending on the audience and purpose. A welcoming and engaging tone is often effective.