imagine

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "imagine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is forming a mental image of something (typically a hypothetical situation). For example, "Imagine a world without poverty."

✓ 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

When using "imagine", consider the emotional impact of your word choice. It can evoke a sense of wonder, hope, or even fear depending on the context. Use it to engage your audience's emotions and make your writing more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "imagine" in highly formal or technical writing where precise language is crucial. In such contexts, alternatives like "hypothesize", "postulate", or "assume" may be more appropriate to convey a sense of rigor and objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The verb "imagine" primarily functions to form a mental image or concept of something not present or real. As evidenced by Ludwig and its examples, it introduces hypothetical scenarios or explores possibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academic Institutions & Universities

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "imagine" is a versatile verb that encourages mental exploration and creative thinking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. With numerous examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, "imagine" is predominantly found in News & Media, making it a common tool for conveying hypothetical scenarios and perspectives. While its neutral register makes it suitable for general communication, more formal contexts may benefit from terms with greater precision. Ultimately, "imagine" empowers writers to engage their audience's emotions and expand their understanding of possibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Envision

Focuses more on creating a clear mental picture of something.

Picture in your mind

Emphasizes the act of creating a visual representation internally.

Conceive of

Highlights the intellectual process of forming an idea.

Visualize

Stresses the visual aspect of imagining, often used in a goal-setting context.

Dream up

Suggests a creative and inventive form of imagining.

Hypothesize

Involves forming a tentative explanation or assumption for something.

Speculate

Implies making guesses or conjectures about something, often without firm evidence.

Assume

Suggests taking something for granted or supposing it to be the case.

Presume

Implies assuming something based on probability or likelihood.

Theorize

Involves developing a theory or set of ideas about something.

FAQs

How do you use "imagine" in a sentence?

You can use "imagine" to introduce a hypothetical situation, such as "Imagine a world without war". It can also be used to express a personal belief or expectation, as in "I "imagine" he'll be late".

What can I say instead of "imagine"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "envision", "conceive of", or "visualize". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "imagine"?

"Imagine" is appropriate when you want to invite your audience to consider a hypothetical scenario, explore possibilities, or foster creativity. It's often used in storytelling, persuasive writing, and brainstorming sessions.

What's the difference between "imagine" and "assume"?

"Imagine" involves creating a mental picture or scenario, often for creative or exploratory purposes. "Assume", on the other hand, suggests taking something for granted or believing it to be true without concrete proof. For example, "Imagine winning the lottery" versus "I assume he's already left".