so initially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so initially" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement, explanation, or scenario that happened at the beginning or the start of a specific event or situation. Example: So initially, I was hesitant to take on the new project, but after discussing it with my colleagues, I realized it was a great opportunity for growth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have found that 61% of all organizations that undertook an outsourcing initiative did so, initially, for only cost objectives.

Forbes

So initially, you plant the seed piece.

Cornell University

So initially, there was very simple life, single cellular.

Cornell University

So, initially, they shared a single faculty appointment.

The New York Times - Science

So initially you think, "Matthew Macfadyen?" But you accept that.

The New York Times - Arts

So, initially, I spent weeks kicking sports stories back over the fence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So initially, CableCards will appeal mostly to videophiles who want the best picture possible.

The New York Times - Tech

So initially he was quite happy when the show was scheduled for New York and Houston.

The New York Times - Arts

The Seales's transgressions are obvious, those of Stona Brown less so, initially.

The New York Times

So, initially, Tasmania's whiskies were being drunk more abroad than at home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Materialism, so initially appealing, is not without problems of its own.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so initially" to clearly indicate the starting point of a process, decision, or situation, setting the stage for subsequent developments. For example, "So initially, the plan was to focus on local markets before expanding internationally."

Common error

Avoid using "so initially" repeatedly within a short span. This can make your writing sound redundant. If you need to refer to the initial stage again, consider using synonyms like "at first", "in the beginning", or rephrasing the sentence to avoid the phrase altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so initially" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a clause by indicating the beginning or initial stage of an event, process, or situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it introduces what happened first.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

26%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so initially" functions as a versatile adverbial phrase signaling the commencement of an event or process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific writing, it's essential to wield this phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse for clarity. When aiming for precision, consider alternatives like "at first" or "in the beginning". Remember, "so initially" effectively establishes context and sets the stage for unfolding narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

therefore at first

Uses "therefore" for consequence and "at first" to emphasize the beginning.

thus in the beginning

Replaces "so" with "thus" and "initially" with "in the beginning" for a more descriptive approach.

hence to begin with

Substitutes "so" with "hence" and "initially" with "to begin with", offering a slightly more formal tone.

accordingly at the start

Employs "accordingly" as a connector and "at the start" in place of "initially".

consequently in the early stages

Uses "consequently" to introduce a result and "in the early stages" to express the initial phase.

and so at the outset

Combines "and so" as a connector with "at the outset" to indicate the beginning.

for this reason at inception

Substitutes "so" with "for this reason" and "initially" with "at inception" for a more formal and precise meaning.

as a result to commence with

Replaces "so" with "as a result" and "initially" with "to commence with", maintaining the sequential aspect.

in that case at the preliminary stage

Uses "in that case" as a connector and "at the preliminary stage" for a more detailed description of the beginning.

therefore from the get-go

Combines "therefore" for consequence and "from the get-go" for a more informal and emphatic beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "so initially" in a sentence?

Use "so initially" to introduce an action, plan or a state of affairs that occurred at the start of an event. For example, "So initially, we thought the project would take six months, but it ended up taking a year".

What are some alternatives to "so initially"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at first", "to begin with", or "in the beginning", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "initially so" instead of "so initially"?

While grammatically understandable, "initially so" is less common and can sound awkward in many contexts. "So initially" generally flows better and is more widely accepted.

What's the difference between "so initially" and "then"?

"So initially" indicates the very start of a sequence or situation, whereas "then" refers to a subsequent point in time or step in a process. "So initially" sets the stage, while "then" moves the narrative forward.