initially or later

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initially or later" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something may occur at the beginning or at a subsequent time. Example: "The project may require adjustments initially or later, depending on the feedback we receive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Companies that adopt automatic enrollment find that few employees opt out initially, or later.

The New York Times

Retention proportions were similar after blinded conversion periods for patients initially or later treated with perampanel.

Epilepsia

While treatments directed against this receptor have successfully lowered mortality rates, many primary tumors initially or later exhibit resistance.

Breast Cancer Research

In terms of outcome, one may not want to collect only the first site of recurrence, but patterns of recurrence; for example, does the patient initially or later develop a brain mestastasis or a bone metastasis.

Breast Cancer Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In some instances the level of demand placed on resources was initially underestimated or later criticised.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

The team demonstrated that it could not initially, or even later, overcome the project's many issues and problems and carry out its mission within the approved budget.

Science Magazine

Over the course of the four-year project, a total of 73 CHWs were recruited either initially (41 CHWs) or later on to replace CHWs who left the project, requiring additional efforts by the programme to recruit and train replacement CHWs.

Human Resources for Health

Members will be limited to three-year terms, although some might initially rotate out earlier or later.

The New York Times - Sports

Participation did not require parental consent, but the parents were informed that they could initially, or at any time later, withdraw their child's participation.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The symptoms are very similar to those of osteomyelitis: unifocal or multifocal, initially osteolytic, later hyperostotic and sclerotic lesions mainly in the metaphyses of the long bones and shoulder girdle, although any bone can be affected [19, 20].

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

For example, some NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations with a good clinical response to EGFR inhibitors gefitinib or erlotinib initially, but later develop resistance.

Breast Cancer Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initially or later" to indicate a potential change in circumstances or actions over time. This phrase is particularly useful when describing processes or developments that may evolve.

Common error

Avoid using "initially or later" when referring to simultaneous events. This phrase implies a sequence where something is true at one point and may change at a subsequent point. If the events are concurrent, consider using "at the same time" or "concurrently".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initially or later" functions as an adverbial phrase, indicating a timeframe that can occur either at the beginning or at a subsequent time. Ludwig examples show its role in modifying verbs by specifying when an action or state might take place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "initially or later" serves as a versatile adverbial phrase, effectively indicating the timing of events or conditions. It's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, including Science and News & Media. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and serves to indicate that something may occur at the beginning or at a subsequent time. While alternatives like "at first or subsequently" exist, the original phrase maintains a balanced tone suitable for varied audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first or subsequently

A more concise and direct alternative, suitable for formal contexts.

at first or subsequently

Replaces "initially" with "at first" and "later" with "subsequently", offering a more formal tone.

early on or in the future

Focuses on the timing, distinguishing between the early and future stages.

in the beginning or afterwards

Uses simpler terms to convey the same sequence of events.

originally or eventually

Focuses on the contrast between the starting state and the final outcome.

to begin with or in due course

Emphasizes the progression of time and the natural unfolding of events.

at the outset or down the line

Uses idiomatic expressions to indicate the start and later stages.

initially or down the road

Replaces "later" with an idiomatic expression meaning in the future.

at the start or after some time

Provides a more descriptive alternative, specifying the time frame.

in the short term or in the long term

Highlights the duration aspect, contrasting short-term and long-term perspectives.

FAQs

How can I use "initially or later" in a sentence?

You can use "initially or later" to indicate that something may occur at the beginning or at a subsequent time. For example, "The project may require adjustments "initially or later", depending on the feedback we receive."

What are some alternatives to "initially or later"?

Some alternatives include "at first or subsequently", "in the beginning or afterwards", or "originally or eventually", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "initially and later" instead of "initially or later"?

Yes, "initially and later" is generally redundant. "Initially or later" covers both possibilities – that something happens at the beginning, at a subsequent time, or both. Using "and" implies both happen separately and is less common.

What's the difference between "initially or later" and "earlier or later"?

"Initially or later" specifically refers to the beginning versus a subsequent time. "Earlier or later" is more general and can refer to any point in time before or after a specific reference point, not necessarily the beginning.