preliminary action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary action" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to an initial or preparatory step that is taken before a main or more significant action. Example: Before implementing the new sales strategy, the company took preliminary action by conducting market research and analyzing consumer behavior.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

He wrote the poem of the "Preliminary Action" of the "Mystery" but left only sketches for the music.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The identification of risk factors for ankle sprain is the preliminary action required to inform future prevention strategies.

Physical Therapy in Sport

A Federal judge, in a preliminary action, turned down yesterday an attack on the X rating of movies that exclude children under 17.

The New York Times

In this paper, the effect of a new starch-based chemical admixture (SA) on cement hydration is investigated and its preliminary action mechanism is discussed.

Construction and Building Materials

The preliminary action, filed in Australian federal court, allows Qantas the option of pursuing legal action if the airline is not satisfied with a compensation offer from the European engine maker, an airline spokesman said.

The New York Times

ESPN screened the preliminary action from the entire World Series (a seven-week jamboree of more than 40 tournaments) over the past few months, essentially serving as a trailer to its final table coverage, hyped beyond hype and screened on Tuesday night, about 15 hours after the live action wrapped.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

So far, his cabinet has at least taken the preliminary actions on all three of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

By several official counts, 17 nations, the United States included, have taken at least preliminary actions to limit imports or to make sure that their stimulus money is spent at home.

The New York Times

Mahāyāna (Greater Vehicle) Buddhists sometimes adopt the vow of the bodhisattva (one destined to be enlightened), which is very strict and involves certain stipulated preliminary actions or abilities, as well as the personal power to generate the thought of enlightenment.

Britannica

Airbnb aims to have announcements in the next 10 days about preliminary actions it is taking on discrimination, and it plans to have a full report with proposed remedies in September, she said.

The New York Times - Tech

The reason for assessing the water quality data and developing a model was to provide information for decision making on preliminary actions to prevent any further deterioration of existing water quality.

Journal of Environmental Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary action", ensure it's followed by a clear indication of the subsequent, more significant action to which it relates. This clarifies the purpose and importance of the initial step.

Common error

Avoid using "preliminary action" without specifying what main action it leads to. For instance, instead of saying 'The company took preliminary action', specify: 'The company took preliminary action by conducting market research before launching the new product'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary action" functions as a noun phrase, where "preliminary" modifies the noun "action". It describes an action that is preparatory or introductory in nature. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preliminary action" is a phrase used to describe an initial or preparatory step taken before a more significant action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and readily usable in written English. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias, suggesting a broad applicability. While grammatically straightforward, it is important to follow its usage with a clear indication of the subsequent action to avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "initial step" and "preparatory measure", each carrying slight variations in meaning. To enhance clarity and ensure effective communication, specify the subsequent action whenever using "preliminary action".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preparatory measure

Highlights preparation, whereas "preliminary action" can encompass broader initial efforts.

initial step

Emphasizes the starting point, lacking the implication of a broader action that "preliminary action" has.

exploratory activity

Highlights exploration or investigation, offering a narrower focus than the general term "preliminary action".

precautionary measure

Focuses on preventing potential problems, while "preliminary action" is more general.

advance move

Emphasizes progression or forward movement which may or may not be present in the "preliminary action".

early intervention

Specifically relates to intervening early in a process, unlike the general nature of "preliminary action".

starting procedure

It refers to a particular method that starts things rolling and is less encompassing than "preliminary action".

tentative step

Suggests uncertainty or caution, a nuance not always present in "preliminary action".

trial run

Implies testing or experimentation, adding a specific purpose not inherent in "preliminary action".

pilot project

Refers specifically to a small-scale project serving as a test, unlike the broader "preliminary action".

FAQs

How can I use "preliminary action" in a sentence?

You can use "preliminary action" to describe an initial step taken before a more significant action. For example, "As a "preliminary action", the team conducted a thorough risk assessment."

What are some alternatives to "preliminary action"?

Some alternatives to "preliminary action" include "initial step", "preparatory measure", or "early intervention", depending on the context.

Is "preliminary action" the same as "preliminary actions"?

"Preliminary action" refers to a single initial step, while "preliminary actions" refers to multiple steps taken as an initial measure. The choice depends on whether you are describing one or more actions.

What is the difference between "preliminary action" and "precautionary action"?

"Precautionary action" implies measures taken to prevent something negative from happening, whereas "preliminary action" refers to an initial step taken before another action, without necessarily implying prevention.