initial thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"initial thought" is an idiomatic expression and is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the first idea or opinion that comes to mind when considering something. For example, "My initial thought was that I should take a break, but then I decided to keep working."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I saw you skulking around and thought, 'Who is this chap?' My initial thought was aggression," he told me.

Vice

My initial thought was, "how lame".

Independent

"My initial thought was: 'It's over.

The New York Times - Science

Well, that was my initial thought.

The Guardian

Like Susie, her initial thought was Aids.

The Guardian

"Endless summer was my initial thought," he said.

The New York Times

"My initial thought was empty everything," he says.

The Guardian - Books

His initial thought was: "This is fire and smoke.

The New York Times

My initial thought was that this could change everything.

The Guardian

My initial thought is we probably will appeal.

The Guardian - Sport

My initial thought was: Golly, this is another world.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initial thought", ensure it accurately reflects the first idea that came to mind, distinguishing it from later, more developed opinions. This provides clarity and helps trace the evolution of your thinking.

Common error

Avoid presenting your "initial thought" as a definitive conclusion. Clearly indicate that it's a preliminary idea, which may evolve with further consideration or evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial thought" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the first idea, reaction, or opinion that comes to mind when considering something. As shown in Ludwig, examples showcase its use in expressing reactions to situations, ideas, or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial thought" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the first idea or reaction someone has about something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "initial thought", it's important to clarify that it represents a preliminary idea rather than a final conclusion. Consider using alternatives like "first impression" or "immediate reaction" depending on the specific context. Remember to use "initial thought" to accurately reflect the very first idea and separate this idea from a later, more developed opinion, improving clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first impression

Focuses on the immediate feeling or understanding upon encountering something for the first time; more sensory-oriented.

immediate reaction

Highlights the spontaneous response to an event or piece of information; emphasizes emotional or behavioral response.

preliminary assessment

Suggests a more formal or structured evaluation conducted early on; implies a degree of analysis.

gut reaction

Refers to an instinctive, emotional response without conscious reasoning; implies a strong, intuitive feeling.

first blush

Evokes the initial appearance or aspect of something; often used to suggest that further examination is needed.

working hypothesis

A tentative explanation used as a basis for further investigation; common in scientific or investigative contexts.

tentative conclusion

A preliminary judgment reached provisionally; suggests the possibility of revision with more evidence.

starting point

Indicates the beginning of a thought process or investigation; emphasizes the idea of initiation.

initial take

Informal way to describe first assessment or understanding of the matter. Conveys a casual or conversational tone.

primary consideration

Highlights the most important factor considered at the beginning; emphasizes significance or priority.

FAQs

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

You can use "initial thought" to describe your first reaction or idea about something. For example, "My "initial thought" was that the task would be easy, but I soon realized it was more complex."

What's a good alternative to "initial thought"?

Depending on the context, you could use "first impression", "immediate reaction", or "preliminary assessment" as alternatives to "initial thought".

Is "initial thought" formal or informal?

"Initial thought" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "initial thought" and "final decision"?

"Initial thought" refers to your first idea or reaction, while "final decision" is the conclusion you reach after considering all relevant information. The "final decision" may or may not align with your "initial thought".