I initially expected

USAGE SUMMARY

'I initially expected' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that you had a particular expectation prior to a particular event or experience. For example: "I initially expected the job to be a lot easier than it actually was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I just think that politics functions differently in culture than I initially expected.

The Washington Post

I also concede that Ipso has bedded in better than I initially expected.

The Guardian

I initially expected to come in with fresh ideas but I quickly discovered that figuring out how to tap into their existing knowledge was invaluable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I realise now that it will take a lot more time and energy than I initially expected, but that doesn't mean poly can't work".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I discovered the hard way that it makes no sense to fly if the equivalent drive takes eight hours or less each way.This is not what I initially expected.

The Economist

As a result, I expect the recession, which I believe we are in, will continue for a while and it's going to be more prolonged than I initially expected.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

To this day, my college experience has been nothing short of what I initially expected--and, in fact, much more.

Science Magazine

The corresponding 15-letter slot on the right constrained things a lot more than I'd initially expected it to, which is why 67-Across ended up being a neutral entry rather than a flashy one.

The New York Times

This is a bit of a design flaw, though surprisingly, it doesn't dampen the sound as much as I'd initially expected.

TechCrunch

It's not a compact device, per say, but it's a lot smaller than I'd initially expected, and as such, it should fit in a lot more spots at home than the larger Show.

TechCrunch

While I had initially expected the description of a "natural environment" to be neighborhoods, natural features and other parts of their geographic locations, participants provided mostly domestic working spaces like their studios and bedrooms.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I initially expected" to clearly indicate a contrast between your original anticipation and the reality you later encountered. This helps to create a narrative of discovery or learning for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "I initially expected" when referring to something you still expect. This phrase implies that your expectation has changed due to new information or experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I initially expected" functions as a clause opener, setting the stage for a statement that contrasts a prior expectation with a subsequent realization or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I initially expected" is a grammatically correct and useful construction for expressing a contrast between a previous anticipation and a subsequent reality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples show its usage across diverse contexts such as news, academia, and science. While fairly common, ensure clarity in expressing the timeframe to avoid confusion. Alternatives such as "at first I thought" or "originally I anticipated" can be used to provide subtle differences in meaning. Remember, use this phrase when you want to narrate a shift in your understanding or experience. Overall, the phrase is a solid and clear way to communicate an evolution of expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At first, I thought

Focuses on the initial thought process, omitting the expectation.

Originally, I anticipated

Replaces "expected" with "anticipated", emphasizing the early nature of the expectation.

In the beginning, I foresaw

Uses "foresaw" to convey a sense of prediction about the future.

My initial assumption was

Highlights that the expectation was an assumption.

I had initially believed

Emphasizes the element of belief that was present at first.

I previously presumed

Uses "presumed" to suggest that the initial expectation was made without concrete evidence.

I started out thinking

Focuses on the initial thinking process rather than explicit expectation.

I had first envisioned

Highlights the mental image associated with the initial expectation.

My first impression led me to think

Highlights that an impression resulted in a thought.

I used to think at the beginning

Uses an informal tone, describing a past thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "I initially expected" to introduce a contrast between your prior belief and what actually happened. For example, "I initially expected the project to be completed in a month, but it took three."

What can I say instead of "I initially expected"?

You can use alternatives like "at first I thought", "originally I anticipated", or "in the beginning I foresaw" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I initially expect"?

No, "I initially expect" is grammatically incorrect. The word "initially" refers to a past time, so you should use the past tense, "I initially expected."

What's the difference between "I initially expected" and "I originally thought"?

While both phrases express a prior belief, "I initially expected" /s/I+initially+expected specifically implies an anticipation of something, while "I originally thought" focuses more broadly on a past thought or opinion.