initiator

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "initiator" is both correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean someone who starts something, as in "She was the initiator of the movement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

A monomer-soluble initiator is added in order to initiate chain-growth polymerization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The campaign states that "by contributing to this Rescue Fund you will help me [the initiator of the fund] to save more gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people from Africa escape terrifying persecution".

The Guardian

Among science awards are several related to cancer research, including a Damehood for Professor Valerie Beral of the cancer epidemiology unit at Oxford and initiator of the Million Women Study, which recruited 1.3 million women to cancer screening.

The Guardian

But Murray was seldom an initiator.

The Guardian

India was the biggest initiator of anti-dumping action, and America and the European Union imposed duties most frequently.Rich countries' weapon of choice so far is neither tariffs nor non-tariff barriers to imports.

The Economist

A poll by the Levada Centre found that 77% of those surveyed said America was the main initiator of Kiev's operations in the east.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Its mysteries, both sensible and intelligible, are the Scriptures and the Sacraments, its initiators the priests, and its initiated the ones who receive them.

SEP

So the initiators of the Breakthrough Prize invite others to use their platform to found their own awards.

The Economist

Whether or not the referendum will be followed by protests and uprisings from the Russian community, as promised by the initiators, the bill for the referendum will be a heavy one.

The Economist

By throwing all 14 initiators into a test sample, Dr Shivji can thus identify which shark species it contains.Recently Dr Shivji has found stretches of DNA unique to subpopulations of sand tiger shark, and added them into the soup.

The Economist

They have had the report about neutron initiators for some time, part of a trove of documents collected from different governments.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initiator", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the role of the person or thing starting the action. Choose more specific terms if the role is more nuanced, such as "founder" for organizations or "pioneer" for new fields.

Common error

Avoid using "initiator" when the role is primarily to enable or assist rather than to start something. A facilitator guides existing processes, while the "initiator" begins them.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "initiator" is as a noun, referring to a person or thing that begins something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "initiator" functions as a noun used to describe someone or something that starts a process or action. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and common across a range of contexts, from formal scientific writing to news media. It's important to consider the specific context when choosing "initiator", as more nuanced terms like "founder" or "pioneer" may be more appropriate in certain situations. While generally neutral, be mindful of potential confusion with terms like "instigator" which carries a more negative connotation. Considering these nuances ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instigator

Similar to "initiator", but often implies a more active or even negative role in starting something.

founder

Focuses on establishing something new, like an organization or institution.

pioneer

Highlights being the first to explore or develop something.

creator

Emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence.

generator

Suggests producing or originating something, often in a continuous manner.

spark plug

Informal term for someone who energizes and starts an activity.

driving force

Highlights the main influence or impetus behind an action.

prime mover

Implies being the original or primary cause of something.

architect

Suggests planning and designing the start of something.

motivator

Focuses on inspiring or encouraging others to begin something.

FAQs

How can I use "initiator" in a sentence?

You can use "initiator" to describe someone who starts a project or movement, as in "She was the "initiator" of the community garden project."

What's a good alternative to "initiator"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "founder", "instigator", or "pioneer".

Is there a difference between "initiator" and "instigator"?

"Initiator" generally implies a neutral or positive starting action, while "instigator" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting someone who provokes or stirs up trouble.

When is it best to use "initiator" over another similar word?

Use "initiator" when you want to emphasize the act of starting something without implying any specific motivation or outcome, especially when the context is neutral or positive. If the person is the first one who does something, consider "pioneer". If the person establishes something, consider "founder".