on the initial try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the initial try" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first attempt at doing something, often implying that the outcome was achieved or not achieved during that first attempt. Example: "I managed to solve the puzzle on the initial try, which surprised everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The team would have to state its intention beforehand and could not punt on that fourth down or change its mind even if it was, say, given a 10-yard holding penalty on the initial try.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Google says its results are fast; on an initial try-out of the service,  they do seem to appear instantaneously, compared with other sites where users wait while the site compiles results.

The New York Times

If an initial try for unanimity on the legal issues in Bush v. Palm Beach County Canvassing Board falls short, the court has several options that could avoid the appearance of taking sides in a dispute that has probably moved beyond the court's power to affect, in any event.

The New York Times

Teachers often urge students to make up mnemonics – sentences based on the initial letters of items you're trying to remember.

The Guardian

It's almost as if the committee is trying to handicap New York on the initial ballot to compensate for the advantage the city has in the final outcome.

The New York Times

If one tried to provide a constant 5% payout based on the initial investment value, it would be disastrous, quickly depleting the initial investment value within a decade.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

Then I tried Junaid, whose number was listed on the initial meetup page, but it has since been disconnected.

Vice

Now, what happens when an intensely suspicious spouse or parent tries to track the phone's location after the time set on the initial entry has expired?

The New York Times - Tech

By placing so much stress on the initial child-murder, Icke also lends weight to the concluding act, in which Orestes is tried for killing Klytemnestra.

The Guardian

It all depends on the initial concept.

The New Yorker

Depending on the initial conditions.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the initial try" to emphasize that a result (success or failure) occurred during the very first attempt. It adds specificity compared to simply saying "at first".

Common error

Avoid using "on the initial try" when you're referring to a process that naturally involves multiple attempts. It's best suited for situations where a single, first attempt is distinctly relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the initial try" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify when something occurred. Ludwig examples show it describing outcomes achieved during the first attempt.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the initial try" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for describing something achieved or attempted during the first attempt. While not exceedingly frequent, its use is appropriate across various contexts, predominantly in news, science, and academic writing. Remember to use it when specifying that an event occurred during the very first attempt. Alternative phrases such as "at the first attempt" or "in the first instance" can offer a more formal tone. It is essential to distinguish its specific meaning from broader terms like "from the start". The single example with 100% match from Ludwig shows its correct use in a sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the first attempt

Replaces "try" with "attempt" and uses "at" instead of "on" maintaining similar structure.

on the first attempt

More formal, replacing "try" with "attempt".

on the opening try

Replaces "initial" with "opening", slightly altering the tone.

on the first go

Uses the more informal term "go" in place of "try".

upon the initial test

Replaces "try" with "test", suitable in contexts involving experiments.

at the outset

Indicates success or failure at the very beginning.

in the first instance

A more formal way of saying "at first".

on the first occasion

A more formal alternative, replacing "try" with "occasion".

in the beginning

A more general phrase indicating the start.

from the start

Another way to indicate from the very beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "on the initial try" in a sentence?

You can use "on the initial try" to describe a successful or unsuccessful first attempt. For example, "He solved the puzzle "on the initial try", surprising everyone".

What's a more formal alternative to "on the initial try"?

A more formal alternative would be "at the first attempt" or "in the first instance".

Is it correct to say "in the initial try" instead of "on the initial try"?

No, "on the initial try" is the correct prepositional usage. "In the initial try" is not idiomatic.

What's the difference between "on the initial try" and "from the start"?

"On the initial try" refers specifically to the first attempt, while "from the start" is more general and can refer to the entire beginning phase of a process.