initiative to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initiative to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a plan or action aimed at achieving a specific goal or addressing an issue. Example: "The organization launched an initiative to reduce plastic waste in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now there's no personal initiative to attack".

The New York Times - Sports

"Nobody took the initiative to do anything.

The New York Times - Sports

Initiative to incorporate the perspective of law enforcement agencies.

The New York Times

"But there's also lack of initiative to get a job.

The New Yorker

Mostly, though, Stoudemire has just taken the initiative to improve.

The New York Times - Sports

But Morphy rarely failed to bring an initiative to fruition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1996, California passed an initiative to legalize medical marijuana.

The New Yorker

Take the initiative to improve Germany as a financial centre.

The Economist

Adelson wanted to propose his gaming initiative to the King.

The New Yorker

So we agree with your initiative to legalise marijuana.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative to Hongjun Song.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initiative to" when you want to highlight a proactive approach or a specific plan designed to achieve a particular goal. It often implies a sense of purpose and direction.

Common error

Avoid using "initiative to" in passive voice constructions. Instead of saying "An initiative was taken to...", opt for active constructions like "The organization launched an initiative to..." for clearer and more impactful writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initiative to" functions as a noun followed by an infinitive, introducing the purpose or goal of a specific plan or action. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly used to introduce objectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initiative to" is a grammatically sound and widely used construction, typically employed to introduce a plan or action designed to achieve a specific goal. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business communications. When writing, ensure that "initiative to" is used in active constructions for clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "effort to" or "program to" for nuanced expression. As Ludwig examples show, the phrase appears frequently in professional or neutral registers, and can be considered very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

effort to

Focuses on the exertion of energy towards a specific purpose.

program to

Suggests a structured series of actions designed to achieve a particular outcome.

endeavor to

Emphasizes a serious or determined effort, slightly more formal.

undertaking to

Highlights the commitment to a task or project, suggesting responsibility.

attempt to

Indicates an effort made, possibly with uncertain success, less assertive.

drive to

Suggests a forceful or energetic effort toward a goal.

campaign to

Implies organized and sustained activities, often for social or political change.

plan to

A more general phrase indicating an intention or arrangement.

venture to

Indicates boldness or risk-taking in starting something new.

move to

Highlights a specific action taken to achieve a broader objective.

FAQs

How can I use "initiative to" in a sentence?

Use "initiative to" to describe a new plan or project that aims to solve a problem or achieve a specific goal. For instance, "The company launched an "initiative to" reduce its carbon footprint".

What are some alternatives to "initiative to"?

You can use alternatives like "effort to", "program to", or "attempt to" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "initiative for" or "initiative to" grammatically correct?

"Initiative to" is generally used to describe the purpose or goal of the initiative. "Initiative for" is used to describe the recipient or beneficiary of the initiative. For example, "an initiative to reduce waste" versus "an initiative for local communities".

When should I use "initiative" vs "incentive"?

"Initiative" refers to a plan or action taken to address a problem or achieve a goal. "Incentive" refers to something that motivates or encourages someone to do something. An initiative may include incentives, but they are not the same thing.