ORIGINALLY anticipated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "originally anticipated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that something went differently than what was initially thought or expected. For example: "The project was originally anticipated to be completed by the end of the year, but it has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it is a lot more reconstruction than originally anticipated.

The New York Times

Grandfathering is more widely applicable than originally anticipated.

Columbia University

GDP growth, originally anticipated at 2.5%, fell to about1%.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now, about six months later than originally anticipated, all the pieces are in place.

The New York Times - Tech

'We decorated it to a much higher standard than I originally anticipated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Particularly when the final reports show the situation to be far worse than originally anticipated.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We had originally anticipated that Contrariwise would be limited to Political Philosophy.

Stanford University

Double vision lingered longer than his doctors originally anticipated and surgery did not initially correct it.

The New York Times - Sports

In particular, proteolytic enzymes with Ub/Ubl processing activity appear to be more widespread than originally anticipated.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease

Bell Atlantic and GTE originally anticipated completing the deal at the beginning of this year rather than in midsummer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"And we did it a little bit cheaper than we originally anticipated".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "originally anticipated" to introduce a contrast between an initial expectation and the actual outcome, highlighting how situations can evolve and deviate from initial plans or predictions.

Common error

Avoid using "originally anticipated" to assign blame or fault. Instead, focus on objectively presenting the difference between expectations and reality without implying negligence or incompetence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "originally anticipated" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the timing and nature of an expectation. It often introduces a clause that contrasts this initial expectation with a subsequent reality. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "originally anticipated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that sets up a contrast between initial expectations and subsequent outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across a broad spectrum of contexts, including news, academia, and science. While interchangeable with alternatives like "initially expected", the phrase emphasizes a prior prediction that diverged from reality. When using this phrase, ensure objectivity and focus on presenting the factual contrast without assigning blame. Its prevalence in authoritative sources solidifies its reliability and stylistic neutrality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially expected

Focuses on the expectation at the start, rather than a formal anticipation.

originally foreseen

Implies a more predictive or insightful view at the beginning.

previously thought

Highlights the change in understanding over time.

formerly predicted

Emphasizes the forecasting aspect that turned out differently.

as first estimated

Specifically refers to an initial numerical or quantitative assessment.

at the outset projected

More formal and emphasizes the initial projection.

in the beginning envisioned

Highlights the initial vision or mental image.

had initially planned

Implies a plan or intention that was subject to change.

what we once assumed

Highlights the shift from an earlier assumption.

contrary to original expectations

Directly contrasts current reality with prior beliefs.

FAQs

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

You can use "originally anticipated" to show a difference between what was expected and what actually happened. For example, "The project completion date was "initially expected" by March, but delays pushed it to May."

What are some alternatives to "originally anticipated"?

Alternatives include "initially expected", "previously thought", or "formerly predicted", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "originally anticipated" or "initially anticipated"?

Both "originally anticipated" and "initially anticipated" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference, although "originally anticipated" might imply a slightly stronger contrast with the present situation.

Can "originally anticipated" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "originally anticipated" is suitable for formal writing. It is frequently used in academic, business, and news contexts to objectively describe how expectations have diverged from actual results.