initiative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initiative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a new plan or strategy aimed at addressing a particular issue or to describe the ability to assess and initiate things independently. Example: "The company launched a new initiative to promote sustainability in its operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The multimedia project received initial funding of £25,902 from a creative councils initiative run by Nesta, the innovation agency.

The Guardian

The initiative will enable their publisher, the CN Group, to piggyback on national morning paper distribution, so most of the company's 29 van drivers are likely to be made redundant.

The Guardian

The G8 meeting I chaired in Northern Ireland also forged a ground-breaking initiative to stop the true owners of companies hiding behind a veil of secrecy, tackling the cancer of corruption that does so much to destroy countries and increase the risk to our own security.

The Guardian - Opinion

Problem: In 2003, Zane Wilson, the founder of the South African Depression & Anxiety Group (Sadag), the country's largest mental health initiative, was horrified at how suicide rates among young South Africans were spiking.

The Guardian

The coalition rapidly downsized Prevent and shifted it to a police-led initiative.

The Guardian

In a 2014 vote to cap immigration, for example, the question asked was: "Do you accept the popular initiative, 'Stop mass immigration'?

The Guardian

A GuardianNews and Mediaia does operate a charitable giving system for its employees and it also provides an internal match funding initiative for all charitable sponsorship raised by GNM employees.

The Guardian

However, she said the signature-gatherers for her initiative were often harassed by individuals who support trapping, and she would like to see additional protections put in place – and existing ones enforced – for them.

The Guardian

"The Green Army initiative is a useful land restoration program that ACF welcomes, but it is in no way an answer to the massive problem of climate change and its impact on Australia," she said.

The Guardian

She had been working as a playwright in Leeds for a year when she saw a link on Twitter, advertising The WoMentoring Project, an initiative set up to help women in publishing.

The Guardian

Launching the initiative Gordon Brown said earlier today: "Eco-towns will help to relieve the shortage of affordable homes to rent and buy, and minimise the effects of climate change on a major scale.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a new project or plan, use "initiative" to convey a sense of purpose and innovation. Ensure the context clearly indicates the goals and intended impact of the "initiative".

Common error

Avoid using "initiative" as a generic term for any activity. Always ensure that the "initiative" has a defined objective and a strategic approach. Otherwise, consider using more specific terms like "project" or "plan".

Linguistic Context

The term "initiative" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a new plan or process to achieve something or to solve a problem. As Ludwig indicates, it's correctly and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "initiative" is a versatile noun commonly used to describe a new plan or strategy designed to address a specific problem or achieve a particular goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and widely applicable across diverse contexts, including news, business, and science. While it's important to avoid overuse and ensure clear context, "initiative" effectively conveys a sense of purpose and innovation. Alternatives like "project", "plan", and "endeavor" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

New project

Focuses on the practical implementation of a plan.

Proactive measure

Emphasizes the anticipatory and preventive nature of the action.

Innovative solution

Highlights the problem-solving aspect of the new action.

Groundbreaking endeavor

Highlights the innovative and pioneering aspect of the undertaking.

Pioneering effort

Highlights the novelty and leadership involved.

Strategic plan

Suggests a more formal and structured approach.

Creative approach

Emphasizes the inventive and imaginative aspects.

Enterprising scheme

Conveys a sense of ambition and resourcefulness.

Ambitious undertaking

Stresses the scale and challenge of the activity.

Forward step

Focuses on progress and advancement.

FAQs

How to use "initiative" in a sentence?

You can use "initiative" to describe a new plan or strategy, as in "The company launched a new "sustainability initiative"". It can also refer to the ability to act independently.

What can I say instead of "initiative"?

You can use alternatives like "project", "plan", "scheme", or "endeavor" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "initiative" and "project"?

"Initiative" often implies a new or innovative approach, while "project" is a more general term for a planned undertaking. An initiative might encompass multiple projects.

Is it correct to say "take the initiative"?

Yes, "take the initiative" is a common and correct idiom. It means to be the first to take action or start something, showing resourcefulness and leadership.