imagining that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imagining that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation that is not real, but is instead imagined or hypothesized. For example: "Imagining that I had received an A+ on the test, I felt a sense of accomplishment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now stop imagining that.

The New Yorker

But it is another moment of Mr. Lovett's imagining that may be the most cinematic.

The New York Times

I love the fact that it's the imagining that sounds so majestic.

The New Yorker

But I might be imagining that.

The New Yorker

I was too busy imagining that I was Judy Garland".

The New York Times

You have so many defences preventing you from imagining that.

The Guardian

WILLIAMS: I like the idea of imagining that too.

The New York Times - Magazine

But imagining that Medal of Freedom ceremony had started something.

The New Yorker

It's like the familiar difficulty people have imagining that their parents had sex.

The New Yorker

One should not be lulled into imagining that Goulson is anything of a bumbler himself.

Independent

The rest of the division watches Manning's status, imagining that there may finally be an opening.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imagining that" to introduce hypothetical scenarios or thought experiments in your writing. This can help readers consider different possibilities and outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "imagining that" when referring to confirmed facts or events. This phrase should only be used when discussing scenarios that are not known to be true.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imagining that" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause that presents a hypothetical scenario or thought experiment. It sets the stage for considering possibilities and their consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imagining that" serves as a versatile tool for introducing hypothetical scenarios and thought experiments across a wide range of contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and common usage make it a reliable choice for exploring possibilities and prompting readers to consider different outcomes. While predominantly found in news and media, and scientific contexts, its neutral register allows for effective communication in both formal and informal settings. By avoiding the confusion of imagination with reality and exploring alternative phrases like "supposing that", writers can leverage the full potential of this phrase to enrich their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

picturing that

This implies forming a visual representation in the mind.

supposing that

This alternative introduces a hypothetical situation for the sake of argument or exploration.

envisioning that

This alternative emphasizes creating a mental image of a future possibility.

assuming that

Similar to "presuming that", this emphasizes taking something as granted before having sufficient proof.

presuming that

This alternative suggests an assumption based on probability, rather than a purely imaginative exercise.

speculating that

This suggests forming a theory or conjecture about something without firm evidence.

conjecturing that

This term is more formal and suggests forming an opinion or supposition about something on the basis of incomplete information.

hypothesizing that

More formal, this term implies the formulation of a testable explanation.

fantasizing that

This suggests indulging in elaborate and often unrealistic mental scenarios.

dreaming that

Implies a state of reverie or wishful thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "imagining that" in a sentence?

Use "imagining that" to introduce a hypothetical scenario or a thought experiment. For example, "Imagining that you won the lottery, what would you do?"

What are some alternatives to "imagining that"?

Alternatives to "imagining that" include "supposing that", "assuming that", or "presuming that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "imagining that" formal or informal?

"Imagining that" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The formality of the surrounding language will influence the overall tone.

When should I use "imagining that" versus "if"?

Use "imagining that" when you want to emphasize the act of envisioning a scenario, often as a thought experiment. Use "if" when you want to present a conditional statement with a potential consequence.