I was initially

USAGE SUMMARY

'I was initially' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce an initial thought or opinion that you have on a certain matter. For example: I was initially skeptical of the plan, but after hearing everyone's input, I'm starting to warm up to the idea.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I was initially very concerned," she said.

The New York Times

I was initially sceptical about his motives.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I was initially in the hoax camp.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was initially in charge of trying to create awareness.

The New York Times

Still, I was initially in a forgiving mood.

The New York Times

I was initially sceptical but it has been an inspiration.

The Guardian

I was initially in a bit of a panic.

The Guardian

"I was initially very depressed and stressed out," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The probability P i is initially expressed by (15).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Individual income (w i ) is initially exogenous and certain, and subsequently becomes random or even endogenous.

Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics

In a cardiac-specific knockout mouse model, loss of adult troponin-I was initially compensated for by the fetal isoform.

Endocrinology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "I was initially" with a contrasting statement to highlight the difference between your initial thought and your current viewpoint. For example, "I was initially skeptical, but now I'm convinced."

Common error

Avoid using "I was initially" without following up with a contrasting statement or explanation. Ensure you clearly articulate how your initial view changed or evolved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was initially" functions as an introductory element within a sentence, setting the stage for a subsequent statement that often contrasts with or modifies the initial sentiment. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples illustrating a shift in perspective or a change in circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was initially" serves to introduce a viewpoint or state that later changes, as validated by Ludwig. It's commonly used across diverse writing genres, particularly within news and media, to create a narrative of contrast and development. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical structure is correct, and it enjoys broad applicability, making it a valuable tool for articulating shifts in understanding or circumstances. Remember to follow up with a clear contrast or explanation to fully leverage the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My initial reaction was

Highlights the immediate reaction to a situation.

Initially, I believed

Emphasizes the initial belief held by the speaker.

I originally assumed

Replaces 'initially' with 'originally' to emphasize a prior assumption.

At first I thought

Replaces the phrase with a simpler, more direct expression of initial thought.

I had at first

Inverts the structure slightly while keeping the original meaning.

In the beginning, I considered

Highlights an action considered at the beginning.

My first impression was

Focuses on the immediate impression formed.

I started off

Provides an informal version of how something began.

To begin with, I felt

Highlights the initial feeling or emotion.

At the outset, I perceived

Uses more formal language to describe the initial perception.

FAQs

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

Use "I was initially" to introduce a past belief, feeling, or action that later changed. For example, "I was initially hesitant to try the new restaurant, but the food turned out to be amazing."

What's a good way to follow up after saying "I was initially"?

Follow up with a statement that contrasts with your initial feeling or belief. Use transition words like 'but', 'however', or 'yet' to signal the shift. For example, "I was initially concerned about the cost; however, the benefits far outweigh the price."

What can I say instead of "I was initially skeptical"?

You can use alternatives like "at first I was skeptical", "initially I doubted", or "my first reaction was skepticism".

Is it redundant to say "initially" and "at first" in the same sentence?

Yes, using both "initially" and "at first" in the same sentence is generally redundant. Choose one or the other for clarity. For example, use "I was initially surprised" or "At first, I was surprised", but not "Initially, at first, I was surprised".