very initial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very initial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is at the earliest stage or the very beginning of a process or development. Example: "In the very initial stages of the project, we focused on gathering requirements and understanding client needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fourth, a few studies have demonstrated that, to be successful, postconditioning should be initiated in the very initial minutes of reperfusion.

Critical Care

"We are talking about a process at its very initial stages," the statement read.

The New York Times

"We're at the very initial stages, but that will be the wave of the future in fashion retailing," he said.

The New York Times

"What we have seen is a program in the very initial stages of development," Dr. ElBaradei said of the Libyan effort.

The New York Times

In conclusion, the results showed that the soils were clearly in a very initial state of soil development.

Geoderma

The very initial acceleration from thermal to supra-thermal energies at collisionless shocks is still under debate.

Advances in Space Research

The results obtained allows to design some initial reference configurations with satisfactory cruise performance in this very initial stage of the design process.

Transportation Research Procedia

All the available sampling points except those generated in the very initial stage are used to obtain a well-conditioned system matrix for regression.

Probabilistic Engineering Mechanics

The model results showed that radical hydrogen transfer was the dominant hydrogenolysis mechanism during all but the very initial stages of the reaction when reverse radical disproportionation dominated.

Chemical Engineering Science

However, the knowledge about ranges, effects and mechanisms of organic coverage in the very initial phase of pedogenesis is very limited.

Geoderma

But a spokesman for new Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, said the governor does not support work requirements and that "very initial" conversations about expansion are ongoing with GOP lawmakers about Medicaid expansion in 2018.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very initial" to emphasize that something is in its earliest, most preliminary state. This can be particularly useful when distinguishing it from later stages of development or implementation.

Common error

Avoid using "very initial" when the subject has already progressed beyond its absolute beginnings. Ensure the context truly reflects something in its nascent or starting phase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very initial" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. It intensifies the meaning of "initial", emphasizing that something is at the absolute start or earliest phase. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very initial" serves to emphasize the starting point of a process or idea. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse fields like science, news, and business. While "initial" alone suggests a beginning, adding "very" amplifies the earliness, setting expectations appropriately. While alternatives like "earliest stage" or "preliminary phase" exist, "very initial" provides a nuanced emphasis on the nascent state. When considering your writing, remember that it works well to indicate that something has just begun.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very beginning

Directly replaces "initial" with its synonym.

earliest stage

Focuses on the temporal aspect of being first.

extremely early

Emphasizes the earliness but uses a different intensifier.

highly preliminary

Focuses on the preparatory nature of the stage.

incipient phase

Uses a more formal term for 'beginning'.

utterly nascent

Highlights the newness and potential for growth.

commencement point

Highlights the start or initiation.

absolutely inaugural

Emphasizes the commencement or beginning of something.

completely rudimentary

Stresses the basic and undeveloped state.

starting juncture

Implies a critical point of origin.

FAQs

How can I use "very initial" in a sentence?

You can use "very initial" to describe the earliest stage of a process, project, or development. For example: "In the "very initial" stages of the project, we focused on gathering requirements."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "very initial"?

Similar phrases include "earliest stage", "preliminary phase", or "nascent phase". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very initial"?

While "initial" already implies a beginning, "very initial" can be used for emphasis when highlighting the absolute earliest point. However, consider if the emphasis is necessary for clarity.

When should I use "very initial" instead of "initial"?

Use "very initial" when you want to stress that something is at the absolute beginning and that no significant progress has been made. For instance, "The idea is in the "very initial" planning stages."