imagine a scenario

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imagine a scenario" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to visualize or consider a specific situation or context, often to illustrate a point or provoke thought. Example: "Imagine a scenario where technology has advanced to the point where humans can communicate telepathically."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I can't imagine a scenario of return.

The New Yorker

Could you imagine a scenario where "Downton" continues without you?

The New York Times

A. It's hard to imagine a scenario where that happens in the near term.

The New York Times

"And it's hard to imagine a scenario where Obama would win Virginia but lose the election".

The New Yorker

It's possible to imagine a scenario in which Egypt's neighbours might follow suit.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is possible to imagine a scenario whereby a Wave provides an implementation of this.

The Guardian

Maybe you can't imagine a scenario in which you'll need my shoulders.

The New Yorker

"Imagine a scenario where you have people buying all your stuff," Ms. Pao said.

The New York Times

"That's very difficult to imagine a scenario in which that would be appropriate," he concluded.

The Guardian

"No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't imagine a scenario where he accomplished something".

The New Yorker

Despite these findings, one might imagine a scenario in which a joke falls flat.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "imagine a scenario", provide sufficient context to make the scenario relatable and understandable for your audience.

Common error

Avoid creating scenarios that are too intricate or unrealistic, as this can confuse your audience and detract from your main point. Keep the scenario focused and relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imagine a scenario" functions as a directive, prompting the audience to mentally construct a hypothetical situation. It's commonly used to introduce a thought experiment or illustrate a point, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "imagine a scenario" is a versatile and frequently used expression, serving to introduce hypothetical situations and stimulate creative thinking. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable across diverse contexts, ranging from news articles to academic papers. While alternatives like "envision a situation" or "picture a case" exist, "imagine a scenario" remains a widely accepted and effective way to prompt audiences to explore potential outcomes and consider different perspectives. Remember to keep your scenarios relatable and avoid unnecessary complexity to maintain clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

envision a situation

Focuses on visualizing a set of circumstances.

picture a case

Emphasizes a specific instance or occurrence.

hypothesize a situation

Highlights the speculative nature of the scenario.

consider a possibility

Suggests a broader range of potential outcomes.

contemplate a circumstance

Implies a more thoughtful and detailed consideration.

presume a case

Assumes a particular scenario for the sake of argument.

theorize a situation

Proposes a theoretical framework for the scenario.

suppose a circumstance

Introduces a conditional element to the scenario.

deem a possibility

Considers a potential outcome as likely.

project a case

Speculates on a future instance or occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "imagine a scenario" in a sentence?

"Imagine a scenario" is often used to introduce a hypothetical situation to illustrate a point or explore potential outcomes. For example, "Imagine a scenario where all cars are self-driving; how would that change our cities?"

What are some alternatives to "imagine a scenario"?

Alternatives include "envision a situation", "picture a case", or "suppose a circumstance" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "imagine a scenario" and "envision a scenario"?

While both phrases are similar, "imagine a scenario" is slightly more general, while "envision a scenario" often implies a more detailed and vivid mental picture.

When is it appropriate to use "imagine a scenario" in writing?

Use "imagine a scenario" when you want to encourage your reader to think critically about a potential situation, explore its implications, or consider different perspectives. It's effective in persuasive writing, problem-solving contexts, and creative exercises.