initial step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first action or stage in a process or procedure. Example: "The initial step in the project is to gather all necessary materials before starting the construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The curation of photos on Instagram is just an initial step towards larger initiatives.

Vice

"This was an initial step".

The New York Times

These cards are an initial step.

The Guardian

An initial step would be holding free and fair elections.

The New York Times

Critics note that, as in other new democracies, an election is only an initial step.

The New York Times

Until that initial step is taken, there is no evidence that the vaccine causes problems.

The New York Times - Science

Rouhani took an initial step on Monday, by breaking the ban on mentioning Khatami in public.

The New Yorker

The initial step in that direction comes in "The Scarlet Pimpernel," which opens on Saturday.

The New York Times

LIGO, he said, "would never have existed had Weber not made the initial step".

The New York Times

Doesn't it bother him that so few people believe he'll even make the initial step?

The Guardian

"The initial step here is to make the company bigger and better on its own.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of actions, clearly define "initial step" to provide a clear starting point for the reader.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of the "initial step". While important, it is only the beginning and not necessarily the most crucial part of the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial step" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies the beginning stage or action in a process. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a commonly used expression across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial step" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that denotes the beginning of a process or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears across various domains, including science, news, and business. When using "initial step", ensure clarity by defining what that step entails. Avoid redundancy by not pairing it with "first" (i.e., avoid "first initial step"). Consider alternatives such as "first move" or "preliminary action" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first stage

Indicates the chronological starting point in a sequence of events or actions.

starting point

Focuses on the location or stage from which something begins, rather than the action itself.

first move

Emphasizes the action of beginning, focusing on the strategic aspect of making the first move in a plan or process.

early stage

Highlights the temporal aspect of the beginning, focusing on the initial period of a process.

preliminary action

Highlights the preparatory nature of the initial action, suggesting it sets the stage for further steps.

opening gambit

Implies a calculated and strategic beginning, often used in contexts like negotiations or competitive situations.

introductory measure

Emphasizes the role of the step as an introduction to a larger process or series of actions.

incipient phase

Highlights the early stages of development, emphasizing the beginning of something new.

groundwork

Emphasizes preparatory work done before a project or task begins.

launching pad

Metaphorically describes the initial stage as a platform for further action or development.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "initial step"?

You can use alternatives like "first step", "preliminary action", or "starting point" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "first initial step"?

Yes, using "first initial step" is generally redundant. The word "initial" already implies that it is the first action, so saying "first" is unnecessary. Just use "initial step" or "first step".

How to use "initial step" in a sentence?

The phrase "initial step" is typically followed by a prepositional phrase indicating the action or goal. For example, "The "initial step" in solving the problem is identifying the root cause" or "The "initial step" toward recovery is acknowledging the issue."

What's the difference between "initial step" and "final step"?

"Initial step" refers to the very beginning of a process, while "final step" indicates the conclusion or last action. They are antonyms representing opposite ends of a sequence of actions.