# initially

/ˌɪˈnɪʃəɫi/ (US) · /ɪnˈɪʃəlˌi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/initially
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

at the very beginning of a process or situation. You use this to describe how something started before it changed later on.

For teachers: at the beginning or in the first stage of a process. Often used to contrast an original state with a subsequent change or development.

## Examples

- Initially, the plan seemed very simple.
- Initially, the company struggled to find customers, but sales grew rapidly after they changed their marketing strategy.
- While the symptoms were initially dismissed as a common cold, they eventually developed into a more serious respiratory infection requiring hospitalisation.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I initially to go there" but "I initially went there" — Initially is an adverb and cannot function as a verb; it must modify a verb, adjective, or clause.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed at the beginning of a sentence to set the scene, or before the main verb to modify the action.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.