I was originally

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was originally" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to something in the past that has changed since then. For example: "I was originally going to get a job in finance, but decided to become a teacher instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I was originally Jenny's Avon lady.

The Guardian

"I was originally born in Morganza," he told me.

The New Yorker

Well, I was originally interested in social connections.

The Guardian

I was originally reluctant to review this book.

The New York Times - Books

I was originally going to call it Lagos.

The Guardian

I was originally asked to work on Miu Miu.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I was originally very much a skeptic," Dr. Thompson said.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The h-I was originally computed using Google Scholar ("Google Scholar Universal Gadget") for first authors.

Plosone

The FES-I was originally designed to assess concern relating to falls in the elderly [ 21, 22].

BioMed Research International

I'm originally from Seattle, WA but I really love it here.

University of California, Berkeley

I'm originally a Jersey girl".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was originally" to clearly indicate a shift from a previous intention, plan, or state, providing context for the current situation. Be specific about what that original intention was to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was originally" without clarifying what you are referring to. For example, instead of saying "I was originally going", specify "I was originally going to the park, but I decided to stay home" to provide complete information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was originally" functions as an introductory clause or phrase, typically followed by a verb and additional information, to indicate a past state, intention, or plan that has since changed. As shown in Ludwig's examples, this phrase sets the stage for a contrast or shift in narrative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

18%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was originally" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a change from a prior state, plan, or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and science. When using this phrase, ensure you provide adequate context for the original state to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "I had initially planned to" and "at first I intended to" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Due to its broad applicability and clear function, mastering the use of "I was originally" can significantly enhance clarity and coherence in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had initially planned to

Focuses on a prior intention that has since been altered.

My initial plan was to

Highlights the original objective before a change in direction.

At first, I intended to

Emphasizes the original intention with a temporal marker.

I started out wanting to

Highlights the initial desire or ambition.

Originally, I had thought to

Emphasizes a prior thought or consideration.

I had first considered

Indicates a past idea that was an early consideration.

The original idea was for me to

Highlights how a change affects another person too.

Initially, my intention was to

Emphasizes a planned course of action that has since been altered.

I used to think that I would

Focuses on the change from a past belief to the present reality.

I once believed that I

Highlights a past belief that has been disproven or changed.

FAQs

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

Use "I was originally" to indicate a past state, plan, or intention that has since changed. For example, "I was originally planning to go to the beach, but the weather changed my mind".

What are some alternatives to "I was originally"?

Alternatives include "I had initially planned to", "at first I intended to", or "my initial plan was to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "I was originally" or "originally, I was"?

Both "I was originally" and "originally, I was" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis. "I was originally" focuses on the 'I', while "originally, I was" emphasizes the change from the initial state.

What's the difference between "I was originally" and "I used to be"?

"I was originally" implies a plan or intention that has changed, whereas "I used to be" refers to a state or condition that is no longer true. For example, "I was originally a math major" indicates a change in academic focus, while "I used to be shy" describes a change in personality.