initiate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "initiate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the first step in a process or activity. Example sentence: The team initiated the project by gathering necessary resources.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said he would initiate a vote to topple the coalition that has ruled for five decades.

The Guardian

"We need to initiate research so we can understand the intended and unintended consequences of these methods so that, if we ever do need to deploy them, we can do so in a sensible and effective way".

The Guardian

Many Saudis had urged Abdullah to initiate change on social, educational, youth and economic issues when he was crown prince, and a minority considered these problems a consequence of the limited opportunities for political participation.

The Guardian

UK bond yields are low because growth is so appalling that the markets have no expectation that the monetary policy committee will be able to raise interest rates for years, and because we have our own central bank that can initiate quantitative easing.

The Guardian - Opinion

So here's where I attempt to initiate a rowing revival: I've started to row a couple of times a week again, and I can't remember why I stopped.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A similar process should be adopted to initiate a dispassionate debate on the rights of LGBTQI staff within NGOs, regardless of the legal and social framework they operate in.

The Guardian

He also asked: "How does the federal government justify the fact that [Mark Kennedy], as part of his operation in Germany, didn't only initiate long-term, meaningful friendships but also sexual relationships, clearly under false pretences?" The Bundestag refused to answer all questions relating to Kennedy, citing operational reasons.

The Guardian

Talks this week will focus on what court, if any, Greece could initiate a case in the future.

The Guardian - Arts

Well, here we are, with deflation threatening the continuation of such recovery as the eurozone has seen and, although the present European Central Bank president, Mario Draghi, has called for fiscal relaxation, he is powerless to initiate this, while the Germans continue to behave as though Weimar inflation were round the corner.

The Guardian - Business

At the same time, it brings to the fore a conversation that is often difficult, and painful, to initiate; that of tribe and tribal relationships in Zimbabwe.

The Guardian

The government must initiate a national conversation to seek society's views on how we fund and deliver health and social care.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initiate" when you want to convey a formal or deliberate beginning of a process, project, or action. It's particularly appropriate in professional or official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "initiate" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler words like "start" or "begin" are more appropriate. Overusing formal vocabulary can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "initiate" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes the action of beginning or commencing a process, action, or project. The Ludwig AI confirms the word's correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initiate" is a versatile verb that signifies the commencement of an action or process. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct. It's most commonly found in news, formal business settings and scientific contexts, reflecting a formal register. When aiming for clarity and precision in formal communication, "initiate" provides a more structured tone than simpler alternatives like "start" or "begin". Be mindful of overuse in casual contexts to maintain a natural flow. Remember, as showcased by Ludwig's examples, this term plays a significant role in setting the stage for projects, discussions, and new beginnings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commence

Formal synonym emphasizing a structured beginning.

begin

General term for starting something; less formal than "initiate".

start

Most basic and widely used synonym for "initiate".

launch

Suggests a more public or significant beginning.

trigger

Implies setting off a chain of events.

instigate

Often used when starting something controversial or complex.

kick off

Informal term for starting an event or activity.

set in motion

Emphasizes the act of starting a process.

get underway

Describes the actual start of an activity or event.

spark

Suggests causing a sudden start or reaction.

FAQs

How to use "initiate" in a sentence?

"Initiate" is typically used as a verb to describe the action of starting something. For example, "The company will "initiate" a new marketing campaign next quarter."

What can I say instead of "initiate"?

You can use alternatives like "begin", "start", or "launch" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "initiate" or "start"?

Both ""initiate"" and "start" are correct, but "initiate" is more formal and often used in professional or official contexts, while "start" is more general.

What's the difference between "initiate" and "instigate"?

"Initiate" means to begin something, while "instigate" means to provoke or stir up something, often with negative connotations.