initially given to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initially given to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was provided or assigned at the beginning of a process or situation. Example: "The resources were initially given to the research team to support their project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The amount of training that was initially given to officers, three hours, was considered by many to be inadequate.

The New York Times

43 A penalty initially given to Tonga is reversed after Afeaki stroppily throws the ball in Dafydd Jones' face (now, now, boys) in midfield.

The Guardian - Sport

(A director said that information initially given to the Guardian came from an employee who had no access to information about such work placements).

The Guardian

While most attention was initially given to fresh water and estuarine ecosystems, it is now evident that coastal marine areas are also vulnerable to these pollutants.

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology

Munira was initially given to an elderly Daesh soldier, a 60-year-old man called Abu Mohammed who kept her imprisoned.

Independent

There was something else that wasn't taken: an expensive Jewish chai pendant that Mary Rich had initially given to Joel, inscribed with the word "ditto," an inside joke from their courtship.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Officials said part of the confusion was caused by the incorrect address the caller initially gave to 911.

The New York Times

Pratchett was referring, in the "embuggerance", to the memorable description he initially gave to his posterior cortical atrophy, a rare form of early onset Alzheimer's he announced he had been diagnosed with in late 2007.

The Guardian - Books

She was reportedly involved in the drafting of a misleading statement that Donald Trump, Jr., initially gave to the press, last July, in response to questions about his election-season meeting in Trump Tower with a Russian lawyer.

The New Yorker

This study develops theory and conducts an experiment to provide an understanding of why people initially give to charities, why they remain committed to the cause, and what factors attenuate these influences.

University of Chicago

The treatment will initially be given to three people over the next year.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initially given to", ensure the context clearly indicates a subsequent change or modification to the initial allocation or assignment. This helps emphasize the temporal aspect of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "initially given to" when there was no subsequent change or reassignment. If the thing remained with the initial recipient, a simpler phrase like "given to" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initially given to" functions as a passive construction indicating the original recipient or target of an action or object. It emphasizes the starting point of a process, often implying a subsequent change or reassignment. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initially given to" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate the original recipient or purpose of something, often implying a subsequent change or reassignment. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly shows a change from the initial allocation; otherwise, simpler phrasing is recommended. Alternatives such as "originally assigned to" or "first allocated to" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

originally assigned to

Focuses on the assignment aspect, highlighting that something was designated to someone or something at the beginning.

first allocated to

Emphasizes the allocation or distribution of resources, indicating the primary recipient.

primarily directed towards

Highlights the main focus or target of something from the outset.

initially designated for

Similar to 'assigned,' but can also imply a specific purpose or function.

originally intended for

Focuses on the original plan or purpose behind something being given.

first granted to

Emphasizes the act of giving or bestowing something, such as permission or resources.

initially entrusted with

Highlights the element of trust or responsibility when something is given.

previously assigned to

Focuses on the action of assigning to someone.

formerly allocated to

Focuses on the idea of allocation to someone.

preliminarily designated for

Focuses on the idea of designating something to someone.

FAQs

How can I use "initially given to" in a sentence?

You can use "initially given to" to describe something that was provided or assigned at the beginning of a process or situation. For example: "The task was "initially given to" the wrong department, causing delays."

What are some alternatives to "initially given to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "originally assigned to", "first allocated to", or "primarily directed towards".

Is it correct to say "initially gave to" instead of "initially given to"?

While "gave to" is grammatically correct, "initially gave to" changes the meaning. "Initially gave to" implies the act of giving at the beginning, while ""initially given to"" focuses on what was received.

What does "initially given to" imply about subsequent events?

The phrase ""initially given to"" usually suggests that the thing or responsibility was later reassigned, modified, or otherwise changed hands. If something remained with the original recipient, the "initially" part is redundant.