Initial meaning in English
Learn how to use Initial correctly with Gymglish.
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Definition
initial: first, primary, original
That was my initial idea for the ad campaign. It was the first thing I thought of.
the initials the first letters of a name
initially: at first, in the beginning, at the start
Initially, I was just going to take the client out for coffee, but then thought that dinner would be more appropriate. I realized my first idea wasn't such a good one.
(Bruno's) initials (are "B.D."): the first letters in (Bruno's name are "B.D.")
Examples
- "I was just talking to Hannah about an initial order of Delavigne goods."
- "To me, it suggests a perfume bottle shaped in the form of our initials "DC"."
- "Scientists initially thought that the result was an anomaly, and feared their data was tainted, however repeated testing confirmed that the data was in fact valid."
- "If you look closely you'll see the initials "XD" which stand for Xavier Delavigne – Bruno's grandfather."
- "It looks like the charge wasn't included in the initial listing, and so the charge was listed on the 12th, rather than the 11th."
- "So, why don't we make the initial order 300,000 units?"
- "We seem to have made it past the initial discomfort."
- "Still, Miracle Juices' founders, Bruno Delavigne and Horatio Oléré, have refused to accept the initial terms of the offer, leading to prolonged bargaining sessions behind closed doors."
- "Bruno has asked me to inform you, however, that your pay will be docked for missing a day of work, as you did not mention Thursday in your initial request for time-off."
- "You need to be thinking for the long term. These changes may be difficult to implement but the benefits far outweigh the initial effort."
- "As a gesture of goodwill, and to show you how much I appreciate your business, I have waived the fee for the initial 2 minute and 30 second phone call with Mr Quincy."
- "I believe you use the initials "M.S."
- "I'm interested, but I'd prefer an initial order of 30,000 units."
- "Brent : Moira, witnesses say that the initial earthquake lasted for nearly 50 seconds."
- "Fiona : I just wanted to let you know that I've finished my initial review of Mr. O'Leary."
Exercise 1
Let the negotiations begin!
Select the answers from the list below which reflect the demands of Kay C. Hogwash:
Kay C. Hogwash wants: a/an payment of $10,000, and a/an payment of $10,000.
He requests a/an of 6 months to write the book for Delavigne.
Select the answers from the list below which reflect the demands of Kay C. Hogwash:
Kay C. Hogwash wants: a/an payment of $10,000, and a/an payment of $10,000.
He requests a/an of 6 months to write the book for Delavigne.
Let the negotiations begin!
Select the answers from the list below which reflect the demands of Kay C. Hogwash:
Kay C. Hogwash wants: a/an initial 1 payment of $10,000, and a/an additional 2 payment of $10,000.
He requests a/an time frame 3 of 6 months to write the book for Delavigne.
Select the answers from the list below which reflect the demands of Kay C. Hogwash:
Kay C. Hogwash wants: a/an initial 1 payment of $10,000, and a/an additional 2 payment of $10,000.
He requests a/an time frame 3 of 6 months to write the book for Delavigne.
1 initial: This is correct. Kay C. Hogwash demands $10,000 dollars "up front" for writing a book for Delavigne. An "up front (payment)" refers to a payment that is made immediately, initially, or before any work is completed. Receiving an "up front" payment often indicates that there will be further, or additional payments at a later date.
1 total: This is incorrect. An "up front" payment does not refer to a "total payment". Also, Hogwash requests two payments of $10,000, making a total payment of $20,000 dollars.
1 final: This is incorrect. An "up front" payment does not refer to a "final payment".
1 bonus: This is incorrect. An "up front" payment does not refer to a "bonus payment".
2 additional: This is correct. Kay C. Hogwash requests a "further" payment of $10,000 "upon completion" of the proposed book for Delavigne. In this context, "further" and "additional" are synonymous. Payment "upon completion (of a task)" refers to payment to be received once a task has been finished or accomplished.
2 bonus: This is incorrect. "Further" payment does not refer to a "bonus payment".
2 total: This is incorrect. "Further" payment does not refer to a "total payment". Also, Hogwash requests two payments of $10,000, making a total payment of $20,000 dollars.
3 time frame: This is correct. A "time frame" or a "time scale" refers to a period of time in which a task will be accomplished, or more simply, the duration of an action. For example, "the time scale for this project is 6 months, or 'we estimate a time frame of 3 years for the company to become profitable". These terms are frequently used to describe the duration of future actions, or actions which have not yet taken place.
3 delay: The term "delay" generally describes a period of "lateness" or "deferment". For example: Due to the bad weather, we expect delays. The term is rarely used to describe the duration of a future action, and saying that you require a "delay of 6 months" to do something is incorrect.
3 time warp: It's just a jump to the left, and then a step to the right. Put your hands on you hips, you bring your knees in tight. But it's the pelvic thrust that really drives you insane. Let's... do... the time warp again! But on a non-musical note, this answer is incorrect. A time warp is a sort of temporal anomaly made famous by the Rocky Horror Picture Show. For more information about time warps, contact your local mad scientist.
3 extension: This is incorrect. An "extension" is a prolongation of an already-established deadline or time frame. The term isn't synonymous with "time frame" in this context.
Exercise 2
Help to rewrite the following sentences by replacing the word first with another word, without changing the meaning of the sentence. Each option is used only once.
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace first ➝
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace .
It was the first time that Susie and Bruno saw each other ➝
It was the occasion on which Susie and Bruno saw each other.
That’s not bad for your first try! ➝
That’s not bad for your attempt!
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace first ➝
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace .
It was the first time that Susie and Bruno saw each other ➝
It was the occasion on which Susie and Bruno saw each other.
That’s not bad for your first try! ➝
That’s not bad for your attempt!
Help to rewrite the following sentences by replacing the word first with another word, without changing the meaning of the sentence. Each option is used only once.
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace first ➝
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace beforehand 1.
It was the first time that Susie and Bruno saw each other ➝
It was the earliest 2 occasion on which Susie and Bruno saw each other.
That’s not bad for your first try! ➝
That’s not bad for your initial 3 attempt!
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace first ➝
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace beforehand 1.
It was the first time that Susie and Bruno saw each other ➝
It was the earliest 2 occasion on which Susie and Bruno saw each other.
That’s not bad for your first try! ➝
That’s not bad for your initial 3 attempt!
1 beforehand: In this context, "first" means the same thing as "beforehand": the speaker is saying that they must say grace before or prior to eating. ("To say grace" is to say a prayer of thanks before a meal.) Another example: "Please don't leave yet! Give me a hug first!".
1 earliest: "Earliest" is grammatically incorrect in this sentence. "Earliest" is an adjective, and we need to use an adverb here because we are describing a verb ("to say grace") and the way it must be done. "Earliest" means "furthest back in time", for example: "What's the earliest time that you can meet me?" (What's the first point in the day at which you can meet me?).
1 initial: "Initial" is grammatically incorrect in this sentence. "Initial" is an adjective, and we need to use an adverb here because we are describing a verb ("to say grace") and the way it must be done. "Initial" means "first in a series or progression", for example: "This is just an initial outline of our plans: we will create a more detailed description later".
2 earliest: In this context, "first" means "earliest": this occasion was the furthest back in time of all the occasions on which Susie and Bruno saw each other. Another example: "What was your first job?" (Which of your jobs did you have at the earliest point in your life?).
2 beforehand: "Beforehand" is an adverb, and cannot be used to describe a noun like "occasion". "Beforehand" means "before another action" or "prior to that". For example: "Whenever Susie goes for a run, she always drinks a glass of water first/beforehand" (both terms have the same meaning here).
2 initial: Although "initial" is not grammatically wrong here, it isn't the most natural choice. We are unlikely to use the term "initial" to describe time-words such as "time" or "occasion". "Initial" focuses on something being the first in a series, and often implies a progression or change, for example: "This is the initial version of Grieg's composition; later drafts show extensive rewriting".
3 initial: In this context, "first" means "initial": the speaker is implying that the other person will try again in future and hopefully improve, so this is the first or initial attempt in a series or progression. Another example: "Don't pay too much attention to the details: this is just a first (initial) draft of the message".
3 earliest: Although "earliest" is not grammatically wrong here, it isn't the most natural choice. We are unlikely to use the term "earliest" to refer to something which is happening now, in the present, because "earliest" refers to the thing which is furthest in the past or which comes first in a defined period of time. For example: "What is your earliest memory?" (Which of your memories is furthest in the past?), "What is the earliest time you can meet me tomorrow?" (within the defined period "tomorrow").
3 beforehand: "Beforehand" is an adverb, and cannot be used to describe a noun like "attempt". "Beforehand" means "before another action" or "prior to that". For example: "Whenever Susie goes for a run, she always drinks a glass of water first/beforehand" (both terms have the same meaning here).
Exercise 3
Help to rewrite the following sentences by replacing the word first with another word, without changing the meaning of the sentence. Each option is used only once.
Is this your first visit to Timbuktu? ➝
Have you never visited Timbuktu ?
Jean found the first three months of living in San Francisco very difficult ➝
Jean found the three months of living in San Francisco very difficult.
Dr Von Headcold wrote the first guide to treating anosmia ➝
Dr Von Headcold wrote the guide to treating anosmia.
Is this your first visit to Timbuktu? ➝
Have you never visited Timbuktu ?
Jean found the first three months of living in San Francisco very difficult ➝
Jean found the three months of living in San Francisco very difficult.
Dr Von Headcold wrote the first guide to treating anosmia ➝
Dr Von Headcold wrote the guide to treating anosmia.
Help to rewrite the following sentences by replacing the word first with another word, without changing the meaning of the sentence. Each option is used only once.
Is this your first visit to Timbuktu? ➝
Have you never visited Timbuktu before 1?
Jean found the first three months of living in San Francisco very difficult ➝
Jean found the initial 2 three months of living in San Francisco very difficult.
Dr Von Headcold wrote the first guide to treating anosmia ➝
Dr Von Headcold wrote the original 3 guide to treating anosmia.
Is this your first visit to Timbuktu? ➝
Have you never visited Timbuktu before 1?
Jean found the first three months of living in San Francisco very difficult ➝
Jean found the initial 2 three months of living in San Francisco very difficult.
Dr Von Headcold wrote the first guide to treating anosmia ➝
Dr Von Headcold wrote the original 3 guide to treating anosmia.
1 before: If this is someone's first visit to a place, then they have never visited the place before (previously, in the past). Another example: "I've never eaten Japanese food before. This is my first time trying it".
1 original: "Original" is grammatically incorrect in this sentence. "Original" is an adjective, and we need to use an adverb here because we are describing a verb ("visited") and the way it is done. An example with "original": "William Hartnell was the original Doctor Who: he was the first person to play the character on TV".
1 initial: "Initial" is grammatically incorrect in this sentence. "Initial" is an adjective, and we need to use an adverb here because we are describing a verb ("visited") and the way it is done. An example with "initial": "My initial thoughts were completely wrong" (My first thoughts were wrong; I had other, more accurate thoughts later).
2 initial: Jean's "initial three months in San Francisco" are the first three months which he spent living there. The use of the word "initial" here implies both that these months came earliest in time, and also that his time in San Francisco improved later. Another example: "My first/initial attempt at performing magic ended in disaster, but two years later, I was a professional!".
2 original: If something is the "original", then it is the earliest version of something in existence. For example: "The original recording of this song didn't feature any drums at all". This meaning doesn't fit here, because Jean's time in San Francisco doesn't have different versions.
2 before: "Before" is an adverb, and cannot describe a noun like "months". We might say: "Jean found it hard in San Francisco: he had never lived abroad before" (before that time).
3 original: Dr von Headcold's guide was "the original guide": this means that it was the first guide of its kind, and was a definitive guide on the subject at the time. Another example: "We are following the original recipe for hummus today" (We are using the first, definitive recipe).
3 initial: Although "initial" is not grammatically wrong here, it is not the most natural choice. We would be more likely to say "an initial guide" (rather than "the"), because the word "initial" implies that later guides (or later versions) were better or more definitive. For example: "An initial version of the painting was abandoned by the artist; the version seen today was completed a year later".
3 before: "Before" is an adverb, and cannot describe a noun like "guide". We might say: "When Dr von Headcold wrote his guide to anosmia, nobody had ever published a full-length book on the subject before".
Exercise 4
Complete these sentences using terms from the article.
Scientists that life on Mars is likely, but it has not yet been proven. (A term meaning "to assert" or "to state".)
The truck avoided a collision with the pedestrian. (A term meaning "by a small margin", "just", or "barely".)
Because the fingerprints were obtained illegally, the court declared that the evidence was . (A term meaning "compromised", "contaminated" or "false".)
Scientists that life on Mars is likely, but it has not yet been proven. (A term meaning "to assert" or "to state".)
The truck avoided a collision with the pedestrian. (A term meaning "by a small margin", "just", or "barely".)
Because the fingerprints were obtained illegally, the court declared that the evidence was . (A term meaning "compromised", "contaminated" or "false".)
Complete these sentences using terms from the article.
Scientists claim 1 that life on Mars is likely, but it has not yet been proven. (A term meaning "to assert" or "to state".)
The truck narrowly 2 avoided a collision with the pedestrian. (A term meaning "by a small margin", "just", or "barely".)
Because the fingerprints were obtained illegally, the court declared that the evidence was tainted 3. (A term meaning "compromised", "contaminated" or "false".)
Scientists claim 1 that life on Mars is likely, but it has not yet been proven. (A term meaning "to assert" or "to state".)
The truck narrowly 2 avoided a collision with the pedestrian. (A term meaning "by a small margin", "just", or "barely".)
Because the fingerprints were obtained illegally, the court declared that the evidence was tainted 3. (A term meaning "compromised", "contaminated" or "false".)
1 claim: This is correct. To "claim" something is true means to state that it is true (although this might not necessarily be the case). Example: "Boris claims that he wrote this essay alone, but his teachers have their doubts".
2 narrowly: This is correct. "Narrowly" describes a very small margin. It can refer to something physical, like a truck avoiding a collision, or something like a contest or competition that was "close" or "tight". In the article, we read that Houston "narrowly" defeated New Orleans in a competition for the "fattest" American city.
3 tainted: The adjective "tainted" describes something, such as evidence or data, which is invalid or compromised. The term "tainted evidence" is often used in legal contexts to describe evidence which is inadmissible in court due to the way that it was obtained for example. In this article, scientists were worried that their data were tainted because of the surprising results.
Exercise 5
Help to rewrite the following sentences by replacing the word first with another word, without changing the meaning of the sentence. Each option is used only once.
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace first ➝
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace .
It was the first time that Susie and Bruno saw each other ➝
It was the occasion on which Susie and Bruno saw each other.
That’s not bad for your first try! ➝
That’s not bad for your attempt!
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace first ➝
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace .
It was the first time that Susie and Bruno saw each other ➝
It was the occasion on which Susie and Bruno saw each other.
That’s not bad for your first try! ➝
That’s not bad for your attempt!
Help to rewrite the following sentences by replacing the word first with another word, without changing the meaning of the sentence. Each option is used only once.
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace first ➝
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace beforehand 1.
It was the first time that Susie and Bruno saw each other ➝
It was the earliest 2 occasion on which Susie and Bruno saw each other.
That’s not bad for your first try! ➝
That’s not bad for your initial 3 attempt!
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace first ➝
Now, children, I know you want to start eating, but we must say grace beforehand 1.
It was the first time that Susie and Bruno saw each other ➝
It was the earliest 2 occasion on which Susie and Bruno saw each other.
That’s not bad for your first try! ➝
That’s not bad for your initial 3 attempt!
1 beforehand: In this context, "first" means the same thing as "beforehand": the speaker is saying that they must say grace before or prior to eating. ("To say grace" is to say a prayer of thanks before a meal.) Another example: "Please don't leave yet! Give me a hug first!".
1 earliest: "Earliest" is grammatically incorrect in this sentence. "Earliest" is an adjective, and we need to use an adverb here because we are describing a verb ("to say grace") and the way it must be done. "Earliest" means "furthest back in time", for example: "What's the earliest time that you can meet me?" (What's the first point in the day at which you can meet me?).
1 initial: "Initial" is grammatically incorrect in this sentence. "Initial" is an adjective, and we need to use an adverb here because we are describing a verb ("to say grace") and the way it must be done. "Initial" means "first in a series or progression", for example: "This is just an initial outline of our plans: we will create a more detailed description later".
2 earliest: In this context, "first" means "earliest": this occasion was the furthest back in time of all the occasions on which Susie and Bruno saw each other. Another example: "What was your first job?" (Which of your jobs did you have at the earliest point in your life?).
2 beforehand: "Beforehand" is an adverb, and cannot be used to describe a noun like "occasion". "Beforehand" means "before another action" or "prior to that". For example: "Whenever Susie goes for a run, she always drinks a glass of water first/beforehand" (both terms have the same meaning here).
2 initial: Although "initial" is not grammatically wrong here, it isn't the most natural choice. We are unlikely to use the term "initial" to describe time-words such as "time" or "occasion". "Initial" focuses on something being the first in a series, and often implies a progression or change, for example: "This is the initial version of Grieg's composition; later drafts show extensive rewriting".
3 initial: In this context, "first" means "initial": the speaker is implying that the other person will try again in future and hopefully improve, so this is the first or initial attempt in a series or progression. Another example: "Don't pay too much attention to the details: this is just a first (initial) draft of the message".
3 earliest: Although "earliest" is not grammatically wrong here, it isn't the most natural choice. We are unlikely to use the term "earliest" to refer to something which is happening now, in the present, because "earliest" refers to the thing which is furthest in the past or which comes first in a defined period of time. For example: "What is your earliest memory?" (Which of your memories is furthest in the past?), "What is the earliest time you can meet me tomorrow?" (within the defined period "tomorrow").
3 beforehand: "Beforehand" is an adverb, and cannot be used to describe a noun like "attempt". "Beforehand" means "before another action" or "prior to that". For example: "Whenever Susie goes for a run, she always drinks a glass of water first/beforehand" (both terms have the same meaning here).
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