I originally assumed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I originally assumed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a prior belief or expectation that has since changed or been challenged. Example: "I originally assumed that the project would take only a few weeks, but it ended up taking several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Click here to view the video I originally assumed that lyrical themes about healing and overcoming difficulty would be important provided they didn't mention pain or hurt itself – after all, it would be hard to take your mind off that gammy knee with the chorus to REM's Everybody Hurts blaring away in the background.

The Guardian - Music

In response, the Department of Homeland Security announced several months ago that it had terminated its contract with the X-ray scanners' manufacturer — a company that actually calls itself Rapiscan (pronounced, I originally assumed, with a long "a") — because it did not meet a deadline to deliver a less revealing technology.

The New York Times

While I originally assumed that Swiss watches would survive the onslaught of smartwatches, I was wrong.

TechCrunch

While I originally assumed HoloLens — like most other augmented reality applications — needs some kind of QR code or markers to know where to place objects, it can actually recognize the world around you and then allows you to place objects where you want them.

TechCrunch

Nope! Let's all give a big "¡Hola!" to Pastor Ewing Marietta, founder of something called Thou Shall Not Move, which I originally assumed was an app of rent-controlled buildings in my city, but turned out to be the protest group against removal of religious landmarks, mostly the Ten Commandments.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It would've been nice to double-over, to howl incredulously and drop the phone when he clarified that they weren't going to stick the laser up his butt like I'd originally assumed, but shoot it straight into his penis.

Vice

Based on Friedenstein's early work [50], [51], it was originally assumed that limiting dilution (i.e. the minimum number of cells required to produce a single colony) of mesenchymal cells could provide clonal colonies.

Plosone

So now you know: the Beatles did not stand for viral beheadings, and All You Need Is Love is not, as many had originally assumed, a call for the immediate imposition of Sharia law.

The Guardian - Music

However, we originally assumed that the cattle originate from the peri-urban region of Bamako as well as the principle areas of cattle production throughout the country.

BMC Veterinary Research

But it soon emerges that the writer is giving a lurid account of her periods – and this is what first reveals that the "I" of this autobiography is female, not as Masters had originally assumed, male.

The Guardian - Books

It was originally assumed that it would take a similarly long time for the recipient to develop the disease, i.e. at least 20 years or longer.

Amyloid : the international journal of experimental and clinical investigation : the official journal of the International Society of Amyloidosis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I originally assumed" to introduce a contrast between your initial understanding and your current understanding, adding depth and clarity to your explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "I originally assumed" when the change in understanding is insignificant or purely semantic. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a substantial shift in perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I originally assumed" functions as a discourse marker, introducing a prior belief or assumption that the speaker held. It sets the stage for a contrast or correction, indicating that the speaker's understanding has evolved. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I originally assumed" is a useful tool for conveying how your understanding of something has changed over time. It is considered grammatically correct and, while not extremely common, appears frequently enough in reliable sources such as news articles, scientific publications, and general web content, according to Ludwig. When using this phrase, ensure that the revised understanding is significant enough to warrant highlighting the shift. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase indicates a prior belief or expectation that has since been challenged or modified. To effectively incorporate this expression into your writing, always follow your claim of "I originally assumed" with context on your current understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I initially believed

Focuses on the initial state of belief rather than a general assumption.

I had first thought

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the initial thought.

At first, I presumed

Uses 'presumed' to highlight a more speculative initial belief.

My initial impression was

Highlights that the original belief was an impression rather than a firm conviction.

I formerly imagined

Uses 'imagined' implying a scenario that was constructed.

I once supposed

Uses "supposed", which indicates a tentative assumption.

I previously understood

Focuses on a prior state of understanding rather than assumption.

I used to think

Indicates a past belief that is no longer held.

In the beginning, I conceived

Implies the original idea was thoroughly considered.

I mistakenly took for granted

Emphasizes that the original assumption was incorrect.

FAQs

How can I use "I originally assumed" in a sentence?

You can use "I originally assumed" to introduce a statement that contrasts with a current understanding or realization. For example, "I originally assumed the project would be easy, but it turned out to be quite complex."

What phrases are similar to "I originally assumed"?

Alternatives include "I initially believed", "at first I presumed", or "I had first thought". These phrases all indicate a prior belief that has since changed.

Is it better to say "I originally assumed" or "I initially assumed"?

Both "I originally assumed" and "I initially assumed" are correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What's the difference between "I originally assumed" and "I now understand"?

"I originally assumed" introduces a past assumption, while "I now understand" reflects a current comprehension. Using both phrases together can effectively highlight a change in understanding: "I originally assumed X, but I now understand Y."