it initiated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it initiated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of an action or process that was started by a subject. Example: "The new policy it initiated significant changes in the workflow of the department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

China began to explore the feasibility of a thermonuclear bomb at the same time it initiated its atomic bomb program.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Waterstones said that after the Guardian highlighted the practice at one of its stores, it initiated a review and no longer allowed branch managers to take on work experience people as it did not want to encourage working without pay.

The Guardian

Just nine months after the inception of BRAC in the post-liberation war of Bangladesh, it initiated its health interventions through health care facilities.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

In 1997, the federal Environmental Protection Agency said the watershed did not meet its standards for purity; it initiated legal action to force the city to build the plant.

The New York Times - Science

It initiated the measures in December and initially intended to end them in July.

BBC

Another midcore mobile and social developer Kabam has more than 500 employees, while Zynga added roughly 1,000 people from the time it filed its S-1 to last month, when it initiated layoffs.

TechCrunch

Gilead said it initiated development of a second formulation of its Truvada drug and Sustiva, which is made by Bristol-Myers.

Forbes

Yet, cryptic transcript initiation did not randomly occur throughout the ORF; instead it initiated from two distinct positions that could be mapped by 5'-RACE (data not shown).

Plosone

Last year, it initiated fifty-four.

The New Yorker

It initiated a genre of family stories for children.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Sherman Antitrust Act, and others before it, initiated large-scale government regulation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it initiated", ensure that the subject "it" is clearly defined and understood within the context to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The company initiated a new marketing campaign" is more clear than "It initiated a new marketing campaign" without prior context.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "initiated" can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "started" or "began" in informal writing to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it initiated" functions as a verb phrase where "it" is the subject and "initiated" is the verb. It typically introduces an action or a process that has been started by the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it initiated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that signifies the commencement of an action or process. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, simpler alternatives might be preferred in casual settings. Remember to ensure clarity by explicitly defining the subject "it" to avoid ambiguity. When writing, consider the level of formality required and choose synonyms accordingly, such as "started" or "began" for a more informal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it began

Replaces "initiated" with a simpler, more common synonym.

it started

Similar to "began", offering a straightforward alternative to "initiated".

it commenced

A more formal synonym for "initiated", suitable for professional contexts.

it launched

Implies a more deliberate and public start, like a project or campaign.

it triggered

Suggests that "it" caused something to begin, often as a reaction.

it instigated

Implies causing something to happen, often with negative connotations.

it set in motion

Emphasizes the creation of momentum or a series of events.

it gave rise to

Indicates that "it" was the cause or origin of something else.

it sparked

Suggests a sudden or energetic beginning.

it pioneered

Implies that "it" was the first to start or develop something new.

FAQs

How can I use "it initiated" in a sentence?

Use "it initiated" to describe the beginning of a process, action, or event. For example, "The organization "it initiated" a new training program".

What are some alternatives to "it initiated"?

You can use alternatives such as "it started", "it began", or "it launched" depending on the specific context.

Is "it initiated" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "it initiated" can sound somewhat formal. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives like "it started" or "it began" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "it initiated" and "it instigated"?

"It initiated" generally means to start something, while "it instigated" implies causing something to happen, often with negative connotations or conflict.