initial stage vs first stage

Both 'initial stage' and 'first stage' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Initial stage' is often used to refer to the beginning phase of a process or project, emphasizing the starting point. On the other hand, 'first stage' is commonly used to indicate the initial part of a series of stages or steps in a process.

Last updated: March 22, 2024

initial stage

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the beginning phase of a process or project.

The term 'initial stage' is used to describe the starting point or the first phase of a process, project, or development.

Examples:

We are currently in the initial stage of planning the event.
During the initial stage of the project, we gather all the necessary information.

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Human laziness and distraction benefited us in the initial stage of our plan.
As this work is in its initial stage no decisions have been taken so far.
Therefore, the rapporteur supports the two-stage application procedure provided that evaluation is undertaken thoroughly in the initial stage.
While the application form is 25 pages long, only 12 pages are considered at the initial stage of evaluation.
It is true that while much has been done compared with the initial stage of this document, we might have hoped for something more dynamic on decision-making.
As you know, we are now at the initial stage of reflection on the future of cohesion policy.
This obviously includes also the initial stage of trafficking and the illegal entry into Italian territory.
The fund must concentrate on immediate costs during the initial stage of major natural disasters.
Even at this initial stage, the environmental and financial calculations have proved to be incorrect.
The radiation is only an initial stage of the chemical analysis process which uses spectrometry technology.
Documents provided by the General Secretariat of the Council at the initial stage
It is important that the fund should concentrate on immediate costs during the initial stage.
The Foundation will function, in the initial stage, as a network of networks.
Secondly, a search with biometrics should be excluded at this initial stage of the system.
It is not possible at this initial stage of the process of drawing up the Charter to prejudge its content in more detail.
That is why limiting the categories of offences to 32 was a good idea in the initial stage.
A number of the criminal law provisions of Member States are still at an initial stage of harmonisation.
For this reason, all our efforts must go towards the introduction of this initial stage, with as much elasticity as possible.
support the inclusion of needs assessments at the initial stage of any programme;
Consequently, the competent institutions of the Member States wishing to do so may incorporate on an electronic medium, such as a microchip or magnetic strip, from the initial stage onwards, the data referred to in this recital.

Alternatives:

starting point
beginning phase
commencement stage
preliminary stage
onset stage

first stage

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the initial part of a series of stages or steps in a process.

'First stage' is used to describe the initial part of a series of stages or steps in a process, project, or development.