I initially was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I initially was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express a past state or condition that has changed over time. Example: "I initially was hesitant about the project, but now I see its potential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

She added that she had had several guests say, "Oh, the first one I thought I initially was going to have, I just couldn't hold it".

The New York Times

This past summer, my fiancé and I spent some time with an old childhood friend of mine, whom I initially was not going to invite (even though he invited me to his wedding the year before).

The New York Times

Knowing Dujardin from "Brice," and from "OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies," a Bond spoof that, like "The Artist," was directed by Michel Hazanavicius and co-stars Bérénice Bejo (the secret spy password here is "Comment est votre blanquette?"), I initially was surprised to encounter him in a piece of Oscar bait like "The Artist".

The New Yorker

One sequence I initially wasn't entirely sure about saw Stark holed up a long way from home to rebuild himself after suffering a horrendous attack.

The Guardian - Film

I initially was very wary of the watch.

TechCrunch

I initially wasn't sure how it would work in a newly democratic nation.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

I'd initially been advised by psychiatrists to "be creative" and keep a diary.

The Guardian

I had initially been relieved to hear the board referring to my cover as a "caretaker role".

The Guardian

I had initially been disapointed by the lack of photographs showing the working and social life of BP staff.

The Guardian

The usher, who I initially thought was pretty — Hi, dear! — is escorting us out.

The New Yorker

Therefore, β i, h should initially be set to a sufficiently small value.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I initially was" to clearly indicate a change in perspective or state. This clarifies that your current view differs from your earlier one.

Common error

Avoid using "I initially am" as it creates a contradictory statement, since "initially" refers to a past state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I initially was" functions as an introductory clause or phrase, setting the stage for a contrast or change in state. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to introduce a prior belief, feeling, or intention that has since been modified or abandoned.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I initially was" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for indicating a change in perspective or state. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples, demonstrating its common usage in news, media, and personal contexts. While alternative phrases like "at first I was" or "originally I was" exist, "I initially was" serves as a clear and concise way to preface a contrasting viewpoint. Ludwig's analysis also highlights that avoiding the phrase "I initially am" is crucial to maintaining grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At first, I was

This alternative emphasizes the beginning of a period and a subsequent change.

Initially, I felt

This alternative specifically refers to a feeling or emotion experienced at the beginning.

In the beginning, I was

Similar to 'at first', but may imply a longer period.

Originally, I was

Focuses on the initial state or intention.

To begin with, I was

Suggests a starting point before further developments.

I started out as

Implies a transition from one role or state to another.

My initial reaction was

Highlights the first response or feeling.

At the outset, I was

More formal way of saying 'at first'.

My first thought was

Focuses on the initial thought or idea.

I had initially

This shifts the emphasis slightly, focusing on a prior action or intention.

FAQs

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

Use "I initially was" to describe a previous state, feeling, or opinion that has since changed. For example, "I initially was skeptical, but now I understand the benefits."

What's a more formal alternative to "I initially was"?

A more formal alternative is "originally I was". It conveys the same meaning but may be more appropriate for professional or academic contexts.

Is it correct to say "I initially am"?

No, "I initially am" is grammatically incorrect. "Initially" refers to a past state, so you should use the past tense: "I initially was".

What's the difference between "I initially was" and "at first I was"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "At first I was" might emphasize the temporal sequence more directly, while "I initially was" focuses on the initial state itself.