this is an initial step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is an initial step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the beginning phase of a process or project, indicating that further actions will follow. Example: "This is an initial step towards improving our customer service, and we will implement additional measures in the coming months."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This is an initial step to create repeatable techniques for performing a cost-benefit analysis.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

This is an initial step towards a framework of culturally relevant hotel branding.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

This is an initial step to improve water quality assessment through enhancement of threshold values in order to account for real water pollution, the index still needs to be improved to take into consideration contamination with heavy metals.

Environmental Systems Research

This is an initial step in explaining the pathogenic mechanisms underlying EDA-mediated tooth agenesis.

Plosone

This is an initial step to tackle this gene counting problem for the human super-organism.

Plosone

This is an initial step to evaluate whether the mtDNA content measured in PBLs can be used as a biomarker for early preventive screening of glioma.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"This was an initial step".

The New York Times

This was an initial step to inform future AAT research and to understand the feasibility of interventions.

Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice

This was an initial step to determine the suitable sites to implement a rotavirus and diarrheal disease surveillance system in order to provide essential information for guidance on vaccine introduction.

BMC Public Health

This work is an initial step to interface artificial tactile sensations of robots with human perception.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

This model is an initial step toward life prediction of composite structures subjected to complex fatigue regimes.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is an initial step", ensure the subsequent steps or goals are clearly defined to provide context and direction for the reader. For example, "This is an initial step in improving our customer service, and we will implement additional measures in the coming months."

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of "this is an initial step" without concrete plans for the future. It should be followed by tangible actions, otherwise, it may sound like empty rhetoric.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is an initial step" functions as an introductory statement, presenting an action or event as the commencement of a broader process. It sets expectations for further developments and is supported by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is an initial step" is a phrase used to denote the beginning of a process, setting the stage for subsequent actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its use across varied contexts like science, news, and formal communications, suggesting a neutral register. While not extremely common, the phrase is perfectly acceptable and useful in many scenarios. Remember to follow up with concrete plans to avoid sounding vague. To enhance your writing, consider alternatives like "this constitutes a first move" or "this represents a starting point" to add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this constitutes a first move

Focuses on the action as a deliberate strategic move, emphasizing intentionality.

this represents a starting point

Highlights the beginning nature, like a foundation for future development.

this marks a preliminary phase

Emphasizes it's an early stage before the main actions.

this is a basic undertaking

Suggests simplicity and fundamental nature of the action.

this serves as a kickoff

Uses informal language to indicate the start of something.

this is the dawn of

More figurative, suggesting the start of a new era or significant change.

this is a nascent beginning

Highlights the early and undeveloped state of the process.

this establishes a groundwork

Suggests the creation of a base or foundation for further development.

this is a door opener

Indicates it creates opportunities for subsequent actions or developments.

this inaugurates the process

Implies a formal or ceremonial beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "this is an initial step" in a sentence?

Use "this is an initial step" to introduce the beginning of a process or project, indicating that more actions will follow. For example, "This is an initial step toward improving our environmental policies, with further regulations to be implemented next year."

What are some alternatives to "this is an initial step"?

Alternatives include "this is a preliminary step", "this is a first step", or "this marks the beginning", depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "this is an initial step" in formal writing?

Yes, "this is an initial step" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing project milestones or policy implementations. It clearly conveys the starting phase of a more extensive process.

How does "this is an initial step" differ from "this is the final step"?

"This is an initial step" indicates the beginning of a process, while "this is the final step" signifies the completion. They are antonyms representing opposite ends of a sequence of actions.