as initially envisaged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as initially envisaged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that was planned or imagined at the beginning of a project or idea. Example: "The project has evolved significantly, but we are still aiming to achieve the outcomes as initially envisaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Referring to the project as 'bureaucratic', the doctors further distanced themselves from the organisational changes as initially envisaged, contrasting it with their own 'common sense' approach.

BMC Health Services Research

Weight data were more limited as, in addition to censored stays, many homes did not weigh participants during the initial months of the first year despite this being considered good practice, and data were too sparse to compare the change in weight slope over the first year with the second year slope as initially envisaged.

BMC Geriatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As discussed above, PARP inhibitors were initially envisaged as chemo-potentiating agents.

Breast Cancer Research

Cycling restrictions were initially envisaged as targeting only motorised bicycles marketed at tourists as replacements for Segways but will now apply to all bikes, with councillors claiming that police are unable to tell the difference.

The Guardian

It was initially envisaged as a kind of prelude to Hitchcock's Shadow of a Doubt.

The Guardian - Film

Initially envisaged as a fairly straightforward Yakuza story about a hitman who goes on the run after botching a murderous assignment, Suzuki's deranged masterpiece proceeds to bend everything out of shape; narratively, visually, conceptually.

The Guardian - Film

Although aerated concrete was initially envisaged as a good insulation material, there has been renewed interest in its structural characteristics in view of its lighter weight, savings in material and potential for large scale utilisation of wastes like pulverised fuel ash.

Cement and Concrete Composites

Though foam concrete was initially envisaged as a void filling and insulation material, there have been renewed interest in its structural characteristics in view of its lighter weight, savings in material and potential for large scale utilization of wastes like fly ash.

Cement and Concrete Composites

Initially envisaged as a partnership of elite universities, it will instead take a broader approach.

Science Magazine

While initially envisaged as a battleship, senior sea officers felt that Britain had enough battleships, but that new battlecruisers might be required to combat German ships being built (the British overestimated German progress on the Mackensen class as well as their likely capabilities).

Wikipedia

Gene therapy was initially envisaged as a potential treatment for genetically inherited, monogenic disorders.

Breast Cancer Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as initially envisaged" to clearly indicate a contrast between the original plan or vision and the current reality. This is particularly useful in project reports, historical analyses, and strategic reviews.

Common error

Avoid using "as initially envisaged" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "as we planned" or "as we thought" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as initially envisaged" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner or extent to which something was originally planned or envisioned. It provides context and sets up a contrast, which Ludwig confirms.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as initially envisaged" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, though it is considered relatively rare. Ludwig AI indicates that this adverbial phrase effectively conveys a contrast between a past plan and the current reality, lending itself well to formal and scientific writing where precision is valued. When writing, remember that while appropriate for reports and analyses, simpler alternatives may suit informal contexts better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as originally planned

Replaces "initially envisaged" with a more common synonym, focusing on the planning aspect.

as first conceived

Emphasizes the initial idea or conception of something.

as initially intended

Highlights the original intention or purpose.

as was initially envisioned

Uses a passive voice to express the original vision.

as it was originally imagined

Focuses on the initial imagination or mental picture.

contrary to original expectations

Highlights the difference between the initial expectation and the actual outcome.

differently than expected

A more general phrase indicating a deviation from expectations.

not as anticipated

Focuses on the element of anticipation and the difference from what was expected.

in a way not originally foreseen

Emphasizes the lack of foresight in the original plan.

deviating from the initial design

Emphasizes the departure from the initial design or blueprint.

FAQs

How can I use "as initially envisaged" in a sentence?

This phrase is typically used to contrast a past plan or expectation with the current situation. For example, "The project, while successful, did not progress "as initially envisaged"."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "as initially envisaged"?

Alternatives include "as originally planned", "as first conceived", or "as initially intended". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "as initially envisaged" in formal writing?

Yes, "as initially envisaged" is suitable for formal writing, especially in reports or academic papers. It clearly indicates a deviation from the original plan. Simpler phrases may be more suitable for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "as initially envisaged" and "as previously thought"?

"As initially envisaged" refers to a specific plan or vision, while "as previously thought" refers to a general belief or understanding. The former is more concrete and actionable, focusing on intentional design.