imagine to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imagine to" is not correct and cannot be used in a sentence.
The correct phrase is "imagine that" or "imagine + verb-ing." Example: Incorrect: "I can't imagine to be a doctor someday." Correct: "I can't imagine being a doctor someday."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Imagine to remember — was it ever?

The New Yorker

He couldn't imagine to start with.

The Guardian - Arts

I think he's hungrier than you can even imagine to see his team win a championship".

The New York Times - Sports

But this distinction means nothing to the victims or, I imagine, to their families.

The New York Times

Imagine to what dejection he must have sunk after having mounted in delight so high.

Independent

A more perfect punch line you can't imagine to such a show.

The New York Times

It is also harder than one might imagine to compose images that maximize its abilities.

The New York Times - Tech

My word, imagine to be that age, in love and alive.

The New York Times - Magazine

I just couldn't imagine to associate myself with that very BlackBerry user group".

The Guardian - Tech

Which owl's call sounds most like what you imagine to be a "Halloween owl"?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Imagine - to have the time to drink from a cup without a lid!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When prompting someone to visualize something, use alternatives such as "picture this" or "envision" for clearer communication.

Common error

A common mistake is using "imagine to" followed by a verb's infinitive form. To correct this, replace "imagine to" with "imagine + verb-ing" (gerund) or "imagine that + clause". For example, instead of "I imagine to travel", say "I imagine traveling" or "I imagine that I will travel".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imagine to" functions incorrectly as it attempts to introduce an infinitive where a gerund or a 'that' clause is required. According to Ludwig AI, the correct forms are "imagine that" or "imagine + verb-ing".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "imagine to" appears frequently in various sources, it's grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct forms are "imagine that" or "imagine + verb-ing". The phrase is often used to prompt visualization or conceptualization, but its incorrect grammar detracts from effective communication. Always opt for grammatically sound alternatives to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imagine that

Uses 'that' to introduce a clause describing what is imagined, correcting the grammatical structure.

imagine being

Corrects the grammar by using a gerund ('being') after 'imagine'.

picture this

Offers an alternative idiom that conveys a similar sense of visualization.

envision

Provides a single-word verb that means to imagine or visualize something.

visualize

Another single-word verb emphasizing the act of forming a mental image.

conceive of

Suggests forming an idea or concept, similar to imagining.

think of

Offers a more general way to express bringing something to mind.

dream of

Implies imagining something desired or wished for.

suppose

Suggests assuming something to be true, which can involve imagining a scenario.

presume

Similar to 'suppose', indicating an assumption based on imagination or limited evidence.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "imagine to" in a sentence?

Replace "imagine to" with grammatically correct alternatives such as "imagine that" or "imagine being" followed by the appropriate clause or gerund.

What are some alternatives to "imagine to" that I can use in my writing?

Instead of "imagine to", consider using phrases like "picture this", "envision", or "visualize" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "imagine to" grammatically correct?

No, "imagine to" is not grammatically correct. The correct usage involves using "imagine that" followed by a clause or "imagine" followed by a gerund (verb-ing).

What's the difference between "imagine to" and "imagine that"?

"Imagine to" is grammatically incorrect. "Imagine that" is correct and is used to introduce a clause describing what is being imagined. For example: "Imagine that you are on a beach."