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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
preliminary segment
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"preliminary segment" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to an initial part or phase of a larger process or document. For example, "The preliminary segment of the report outlines the main objectives." Alternative expressions include "initial section" and "introductory part."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
An orange-haired, tattooed Sisterhood member called for everyone to sit in a circle for the preliminary segment.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Homi Bhabha, a professor of English at Harvard University, writes frequently for ArtForum and has lectured at various biennials (including one last fall in Berlin at one of the preliminary "platform" segments for Documenta XI).
News & Media
Several preliminary video segments were integrated (e.g., safety, demonstration of one skill, and sample training activity) for demonstration, but links and proposed features (e.g., the trainee-trainer voicemail function) were nonfunctional placeholders.
After the preliminary phase, weight, limb segment, and height measurements were performed in 60 consecutive mechanically ventilated ICU patients, for whom preadmission values were unknown to staff.
Science
After preliminary analysis was performed, segments (paragraphs or sentences) were coded and labelled.
Science
Along with tissue-fixed cells, in segments of preliminary lesions, there were more mononuclear cells compared to normal intima.
After preliminary analysis was performed, segments (paragraph, sentences) were coded and labeled (i.e. data extracts from each transcript were grouped together under the appropriate category).
For example, transcript assemblers (e.g., Cufflinks [ 65] and Trinity [ 66]) can subsequently be used to generate preliminary multiple-exon transcript segments based on integration of long (e.g., PacBio-based) and short (e.g., Illumina-based) RNA-seq reads [ 67].
Science
NBC was No. 1 in the 18-to-49-year-old 18-to-49-year-old 18-to-49-year-old 18-to-49-year-old 18-to-49-year-oldes, andemographiced segmentin totaccordings wito 10.7 million, just behind CBS (11.4 million).
News & Media
A preliminary phylogenetic tree of each segment was generated using the Neighbor Joining method in MEGA 5.
Science
Since preliminary experiments suggested that the segment spanning Aβ1-42 alone is not enough to identify the protein protein interaction owing to its small size (4 kDa) on a conventional Tris-glycine SDS-PAGE gel, we have chosen the CTFβ of APP, spanning both Aβ and the APP intracellular domain (AICD), expressed as a Flag-tagged fusion protein.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
In scientific writing, specify whether the segment is physical (like a genetic sequence) or temporal (like a time interval) to ensure clarity.
Common error
Do not use 'first preliminary segment' or 'initial preliminary segment'. Since 'preliminary' already implies it comes before the main part, adding 'first' or 'initial' creates a pleonasm.
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "preliminary segment" serves as a noun phrase where the adjective 'preliminary' functions as an attributive modifier for the noun 'segment'. According to Ludwig, it acts primarily as a direct object or the subject of a passive construction in technical reporting.
Frequent in
Science
65%
News & Media
25%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Social Media
2%
Wiki
3%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In conclusion, "preliminary segment" is a precise and sophisticated phrase used across various high-authority domains. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and utility, particularly in scientific research and professional journalism. It is most effective when describing the first structural or temporal part of a larger entity, such as a genetic sequence, a medical trial, or a televised event. While it is less common in casual conversation, its presence in academic and reputable news sources highlights its importance in precise communication. Writers should be careful to avoid redundancy and ensure the context clearly specifies whether the 'segment' is a physical piece or a time-based interval. For more variety, consider alternatives like "initial part" or "preliminary section".
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
preliminary section
Direct synonym often used in documents and reports
initial part
Broader and less technical than segment
introductory section
Focuses on the explanatory nature of the segment
preliminary stage
Emphasizes the temporal phase rather than a structural part
opening segment
Common in media and broadcasting contexts
preparatory phase
Highlights the readiness aspect of the section
early portion
More informal and less precise
introductory phase
Combines structural and temporal elements
first installment
Suggests a series of parts released over time
baseline segment
Often used in scientific data comparison
FAQs
How do I use "preliminary segment" in a sentence?
You can use it to describe the start of a process, such as: "The "initial part" of the workshop was a "preliminary segment" focused on introductions."
What is the difference between "preliminary segment" and "preliminary stage"?
A "preliminary segment" usually refers to a specific structural part or a piece of data, while a "preliminary stage" refers to a period of time in a multi-step process.
Is "preliminary segment" formal enough for a research paper?
Yes, it is very common in scientific literature. Ludwig shows it appearing frequently in journals like BioMed Research International to describe data or methodology parts.
Can I say "opening segment" instead?
Yes, an "opening segment" is a great alternative, especially in the context of television, radio, or public events.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested