as originally thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as originally thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an idea, opinion, or belief that has changed from what was originally thought or believed. For example, "It turns out the patient's illness is more serious than as originally thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, even before the results of the metal analysis was known, re-examination of the textiles for the present study had reclassified this piece as being of Indian origin, rather than Persian as originally thought.

Heritage Science

This is not a descendant of E. coli Bc251 as originally thought.

Yale University

Mrs Apfel is not at her home in Palm Beach, Florida, as originally thought.

The Guardian

And the backup fund may not cushion the blows as much as originally thought.

The New York Times

This company is still in business, but arguably has not been nearly as successful as originally thought.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mr. Speaker's tuberculosis was not as severe as originally thought, and he responded well to antibiotic therapy.

The New York Times - Health

In the bladder, this method revealed not one (as originally thought), but two types of cells that give rise to cancer.

Columbia University

Though perhaps not as spectacular as originally thought, it will remain sunny and warm throughout the afternoon with temperatures reaching the mid 70s.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Accountants from KPMG – not Deloitte as originally thought – have now been appointed to run the investigation, which will be paid for UBS.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Benmosche said that while he still expected the offering to be successful, the Treasury Department's shares may not fetch as high a price as originally thought.

The New York Times

And Tuesday's test, if it was as large as originally thought, appears to suggest that the nuclear arms program is also moving ahead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as originally thought" to clearly indicate a change in understanding or perception based on new information or evidence. This helps to avoid confusion and highlights the evolution of thought on a particular subject.

Common error

Avoid using "as originally thought" when the initial idea was only a minor consideration or speculation. This phrase is most effective when correcting a widely held or significant initial belief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as originally thought" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a contrast between a current understanding and a previous assumption. Ludwig shows its widespread use in various contexts to highlight revised perspectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

34%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as originally thought" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to highlight a shift in understanding from an initial belief or assumption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While it can be employed in formal and informal settings, it's essential to ensure the initial belief was significant enough to warrant its use. Alternatives such as "contrary to initial belief" or "different from what was first believed" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to initial belief

Highlights the contrast between the current understanding and the earlier belief.

different from what was first believed

Emphasizes the change in understanding from the initial belief.

not as previously understood

Focuses on the altered comprehension of a subject.

in contrast to original expectations

Underscores the divergence from the initial expectations.

revisions to the initial premise

Highlights a change in foundational understanding.

unlike the initial assessment

Signifies a different perspective compared to an earlier evaluation.

diverging from original assumptions

Stresses the deviation from the starting assumptions.

altering previous conceptions

Indicates the adjustment of earlier ideas or concepts.

contrary to earlier suppositions

Emphasizes the change relative to prior suppositions.

shifting from original ideas

Highlights the shift in understanding away from original ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "as originally thought" in a sentence?

You can use "as originally thought" to show a shift in understanding. For example, "The treatment was not as effective "as originally thought", requiring a new approach".

What are some alternatives to "as originally thought"?

Alternatives include "contrary to initial belief", "different from what was first believed", or "not as previously understood", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "as originally thought" formal or informal?

The phrase "as originally thought" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various writing styles. However, ensure your overall tone remains consistent.

What's the difference between "as originally thought" and "as previously believed"?

"As originally thought" and "as previously believed" are quite similar. However, "as originally thought" might imply a formal assessment or consideration, whereas "as previously believed" suggests a more general or widespread belief.