I originally planned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I originally planned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was planned in the past but may be changed or different now. For example, "I originally planned to go on vacation to Hawaii this year, but now I'm thinking about taking a road trip instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It's more ambitious than I originally planned".

The New York Times - Arts

I originally planned for publishing the pages in alternative weeklies, modelling the work after Sunday funnies.

The New Yorker

It was a bit disorientating to find out I wasn't going where I originally planned.

The Guardian

Professor Keene looked at the phalanx of cameras and said, "I originally planned to have a simple affair".

The New York Times

I originally planned to run the marathon for Anthony Nolan, which found a bone marrow donor for my wife Diana when she had leukaemia.

Independent

Though I originally planned to apply for as many scholarships as I could, I soon figured out that it wouldn't be smart to do so.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

So instead of taking a 3-month holiday in Thailand, as I had originally planned, I stepped directly from the university into my first job as a project engineer in wastewater treatment.

Science Magazine

From the five I had originally planned to scan, I ended up with only one $20 key.

The New York Times

I had originally planned to go when I was 18, but my father wouldn't allow it fearing I would never come back home.

Vice

I had originally planned to go when I was 18 but my father wouldn't allow it – fearing I would never come back home.

Vice

"Are you planning on staying on in the lab?" "I'd originally planned to be here until I started medical school in the fall," I responded.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I originally planned" to clearly indicate a shift from a past intention to a present reality, providing context for any changes or deviations from the original course.

Common error

Avoid using "I originally planned" solely to express regret. Instead, focus on explaining the reasons for the change and any positive outcomes that resulted. This keeps the tone constructive and forward-looking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I originally planned" primarily functions as an introductory clause, setting the stage for a statement that contrasts a previous intention with a current situation. It indicates a shift in plans or expectations, as supported by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I originally planned" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a deviation from a past intention. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and common usage make it a reliable choice for expressing changes in plans. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you clearly explain the reasons for the change, maintaining a constructive and forward-looking tone. Alternatives include "I had initially intended" and "My initial plan was to", each offering slight nuances in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had initially intended

Focuses on the initial purpose or aim.

I had originally intended to

Adds a specification of a planned action.

I had at first planned

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the original plan.

My initial plan was to

Shifts the focus to the plan itself rather than the planner.

I had previously considered

Highlights a past consideration that may not have been fully formalized as a plan.

I formerly envisioned

Implies a vision or expectation that has since changed.

I once contemplated

Suggests a past thought or idea, less concrete than a plan.

I contemplated initially

The focus on contemplation instead of a specific decision.

Initially, my intention was to

Formal way to describe intention.

At the outset, I expected

Emphasizes an expectation at the beginning of a process.

FAQs

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

You can use "I originally planned" to introduce a past intention that has since changed. For example, "I originally planned to travel to Europe, but I decided to stay home instead".

What are some alternatives to "I originally planned"?

You could use alternatives like "I had initially intended", "I had originally intended to", or "My initial plan was to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I originally planned"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, indicating that it follows standard English grammar rules and is widely accepted.

What's the difference between "I originally planned" and "I had originally planned"?

"I originally planned" implies a simple statement of a past intention. "I had originally planned" /s/I+had+originally+planned adds emphasis, suggesting that the plan was in place for a while before changing.