I initially believed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I initially believed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a past belief or assumption that has since changed or been reconsidered. Example: "I initially believed that the project would take only a month to complete, but it ended up taking much longer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

How? 1) I initially believed that contributing would be made easier by direct contact with the Director of the organization.

University of California, Berkeley

"I initially believed that his time in solitary confinement was a decision made in the interests of his safety," he said.

The Guardian

While I initially believed that the photo I referenced was a different one, I discovered early on in the case that I was wrong.

TechCrunch

"I don't think I initially believed that, but I am just starting to now and I do think it has made me a better person.

BBC

I initially believed that I was leaving LA because of the LA cliches: its superficiality, surface reality, its obsession with status, fame and materialism.

HuffPost

The real possibilities of social business have provided me perspective, and in a way empowered me with the thought that I may be less insignificant than I initially believed -- that my contributions along with others in the Hult Prize community could actually create real impact.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The company waited because it initially believed that the workers would be brought out quickly, she said.

The New York Times

The main effect on me was the realisation that my values and principles weren't as set in stone as I'd initially believed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules were initially believed to present peptides derived solely from endogenous proteins, that is, proteins synthesized by the cell itself, including viral proteins produced upon infection.

EMBO Journal

He initially believed his wife: "I thought Gu Kailai is a fragile woman, she could not kill, and her relationship with Wang Lijun was very good.

The Guardian

Police initially believed Menson set light to himself.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, be sure to follow it with a clear explanation of what you currently believe or understand. This provides context and avoids leaving the reader in suspense.

Common error

Avoid using "I initially believed" without providing the updated belief or understanding. Failing to do so can leave your statement unfinished and your point unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I initially believed" functions as a declarative statement, indicating a past belief or assumption. It sets the stage for a contrasting statement, showing a change in perspective. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I initially believed" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for indicating a past belief that has since changed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and while it appears more frequently in news and media, it's also suitable for academic and formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you follow it with a clear explanation of your current understanding to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "at first I thought" or "originally I assumed", depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At first, I thought

Changes the phrasing to a more direct and common way of expressing an initial thought.

Originally, I assumed

Replaces "believed" with "assumed", emphasizing an initial lack of certainty.

I once held the opinion that

Uses a more formal tone to express a past opinion.

My initial understanding was

Focuses on the initial understanding of a situation or concept.

In the beginning, I considered

Highlights the starting point of a consideration process.

My original conviction was

Emphasizes a strong initial belief or certainty.

I had previously thought

Highlights that the thought was prior to the current moment.

I formerly believed

Uses "formerly" to indicate a past belief that is no longer held.

To begin with, I was under the impression that

Introduces a more elaborate way to state an initial impression.

Initially, my perception was

Focuses on the initial perception of something.

FAQs

What does "I initially believed" mean?

The phrase "I initially believed" indicates that you previously held a certain belief, but that your belief has since changed or evolved. It's used to show a shift in perspective.

What's a good alternative to "I initially believed"?

Alternatives include "at first I thought", "originally I assumed", or "I once held the opinion that". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How can I use "I initially believed" in a sentence?

You can use "I initially believed" to introduce a past belief that you no longer hold, followed by your current understanding. For example, "I initially believed that the project would be simple, but it turned out to be quite complex."

Is it okay to use "I initially believed" in formal writing?

Yes, "I initially believed" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience. More formal alternatives like "my initial understanding was" might be preferable in some cases.