Imagine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Imagine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to prompt someone to visualize or consider a scenario, idea, or concept. Example: "Imagine a world where everyone has access to clean water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Imagine this scenario.

The Guardian - Tech

You could imagine the chilly atmosphere at the breakfast table, the prime minister is said to have remarked to friends afterwards.

The Guardian

With a few exceptions, it was hardly possible to imagine Embassy officials or troops in Baghdad taking great risks to get their Iraqi contacts out before we left.

The Economist

It's hard to imagine".

The New York Times

He said he'd got bored – he couldn't imagine lining up another over-the-shoulder shot.

The Guardian - Film

She was the first winner of American Idol, before it became a defining juggernaut of a decade's pop culture; it's hard to imagine now, but when Clarkson first auditioned, the fate of the show – let alone its contestants – was an unknown.

The Guardian - Music

If Pearce is still in charge come next Saturday's match against high-flying Derby County, it is hard to imagine him surviving a beating at the hands of the Rams.

The Guardian - Sport

"Imagine a situation where the organisation rewards you for being a bad leader," she suggests.

The Guardian

Thanks in part to the publicity surrounding the Rana Plaza disaster, we can at least imagine the men and women who sew them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now it is an urgent challenge for the European commission, which appeared to assume that once inside the club of European liberal democracies, nobody could imagine anything better.

The Guardian - Opinion

As for the non-zombie dystopian possible future: I can imagine an armed resistance against tyranny, I like to think I would want to be a part of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Imagine" to encourage creative thinking or to introduce hypothetical scenarios. It is particularly effective when you want your audience to consider possibilities beyond the immediate reality.

Common error

While "Imagine" is versatile, overuse can make writing sound less formal or less precise. In academic or professional contexts, consider stronger verbs like "hypothesize", "postulate", or "theorize" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Imagine" is as a verb, used to express the act of forming a mental image or concept. It often prompts the audience to consider a hypothetical scenario or possibility, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Imagine" is a versatile and frequently used verb that prompts visualization, speculation, and creative thinking. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While neutral in register, it's essential to consider stronger alternatives like "envision" or "hypothesize" in highly formal writing to maintain precision. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively leverage the power of "Imagine" to engage their audience and encourage innovative thought.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Envision

Emphasizes creating a detailed mental picture.

Picture

Suggests forming a mental image, often in a simple or direct way.

Conceive

Highlights the process of forming an idea or plan in the mind.

Visualize

Focuses on seeing something in one's mind, often with clarity.

Suppose

Implies assuming something is true, often without proof.

Assume

Suggests taking something for granted or believing it to be true.

Hypothesize

Involves forming a tentative explanation as a basis for further investigation.

Speculate

Highlights making conjectures or guesses, often with limited information.

Dream up

Suggests creating something imaginative or fanciful.

Contemplate

Emphasizes thinking deeply about something, often with a focus on possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "Imagine" in a sentence?

You can use "Imagine" to introduce a hypothetical situation, like "Imagine a world without pollution" or to encourage creative thinking, such as "Imagine the possibilities if we invested more in renewable energy".

What can I say instead of "Imagine"?

You can use alternatives like "envision", "picture", or "conceive" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "Imagine" in writing?

"Imagine" is suitable for various contexts, from informal conversations to persuasive writing. However, in highly formal or scientific writing, more precise alternatives might be preferable.

How does "Imagine" differ from "Suppose"?

"Imagine" typically involves creating a mental image or scenario, while "suppose" implies assuming something is true, often without concrete evidence. "Imagine" is more visual and creative, whereas "suppose" is more conditional.