this is the initial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is the initial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce the first part of something, such as a process, document, or discussion. Example: "This is the initial phase of our project, where we will gather all necessary data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"This is the initial phase," a Saudi official said.

The New York Times

This is the initial impetus that drove me to undertake media work.

The Guardian

This is the initial step of a complex process leading to the formation of sugars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

JUDGE RICHARD MAY: This is the initial appearance of the accused in this case upon his transfer to the tribunal.

The New York Times

But it has, and this is the initial problem to be confronted by those concerned about the future of the two terminals at Kennedy.

The New York Times - Arts

This is the initial foray into residential development in TriBeCa for each of the developers, who joined together over the last 18 months.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

This was the initial event of the annual Bermuda Chess Festival.

The New York Times

This was the initial concept of Terminal City, as the horseshoe-shaped loop is officially called.

The New York Times - Arts

(This was the initial cost – it has since risen to £289).

The Guardian - Tech

This was the initial reaction of Steve Ballmer, chief executive of Microsoft, the world's largest software firm.

The Economist

This was the initial demonstration of the pesky stroke, and presumably Hadow was toasted as the latest Greatest Player of All Time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a series of steps or phases, use "this is the initial" to clearly indicate the beginning. This provides a strong indication that more steps will follow.

Common error

Avoid using "this is the initial" if you do not plan to elaborate on the subsequent stages or developments. Without further context, it leaves the reader expecting more information that isn't provided.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is the initial" functions as a declarative statement introducing the beginning or starting point of something. It sets the context for what follows, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is the initial" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to introduce the beginning of something, whether it's a process, phase, or idea. As Ludwig AI explains, it functions as a declarative statement that prepares the audience for subsequent steps or information. While it appears across various contexts, it is particularly frequent in scientific and news-related content. When using this phrase, ensure that you follow through with subsequent details to fulfill the implied expectation of further elaboration. Alternatives such as "this is the first" or "this marks the starting point" can be used to vary your language while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this constitutes the first phase

Replaces "is" with "constitutes" and "initial" with "first phase", highlighting a stage in a process.

this marks the starting point

Substitutes "is" with "marks" and "initial" with "starting point", emphasizing the beginning.

this signifies the onset

Employs "signifies" instead of "is" and "onset" in place of "initial", creating a more formal tone.

this represents the commencement

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "is" with "represents" and "initial" with "commencement".

this serves as the genesis

Replaces "is" with "serves as" and "initial" with "genesis", adding a sense of creation or origin.

here begins the original iteration

Uses "here begins" to replace "this is" and "original iteration" for "initial".

the genesis is this

Changes order of the phrase to give a particular emphasis.

at the forefront

Uses a metaphor to describe its role.

the kickoff is represented here

Replaces the structure with an expression indicating start, the structure also changes.

this underlies the principle

Structure is different as well as semantic meaning.

FAQs

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

"This is the initial" is used to introduce the first step, phase, or stage of a process or concept. For example, "This is the initial step in configuring your new software."

What phrases are similar to "this is the initial"?

Alternatives include "this is the first", "this is the beginning", or "this marks the starting point", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "this is the initial"?

Use "this is the initial" when you want to clearly signal that you are introducing the first element of something that has multiple steps, parts, or phases.

Is there a more formal way to say "this is the initial"?

Yes, you can use more formal phrases such as "this constitutes the first phase" or "this signifies the onset" in more formal contexts.