initially I believed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initially I believed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a change in perspective or understanding over time, often in a narrative or reflective context. Example: "Initially I believed that the project would be straightforward, but I soon realized it was much more complex."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Initially, I believed that a limited appeal was the right option.

The Guardian - Sport

Initially, I believed that notion of "the one that got away" didn't really apply to me, as once I've "got them", their reasons for "getting away" are often perfectly valid.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Initially, I believed that the project would serve Latina/o theatre-makers by enhancing their visibility on Wikipedia and expanding public knowledge of Latina/o theatre studies.

Johns Hopkins University

Initially I believed the image of a lifeless, pale body glimmering on a dark night carried a whisper of defeat.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Initially, I believe that this will focus on automation of the DevOps process which has become more complex as it has scaled.

Forbes

Parikh explains their rationale: "We were initially tempted, but I believed that traditional cloud backup for enterprises is too inefficient.

TechCrunch

"I don't think I initially believed that, but I am just starting to now and I do think it has made me a better person.

BBC

I initially believed that I was leaving LA because of the LA cliches: its superficiality, surface reality, its obsession with status, fame and materialism.

HuffPost

While I initially believed that the photo I referenced was a different one, I discovered early on in the case that I was wrong.

TechCrunch

The real possibilities of social business have provided me perspective, and in a way empowered me with the thought that I may be less insignificant than I initially believed -- that my contributions along with others in the Hult Prize community could actually create real impact.

HuffPost

How? 1) I initially believed that contributing would be made easier by direct contact with the Director of the organization.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initially I believed" to clearly indicate a shift in your perspective or understanding, especially when contrasting it with your current viewpoint. This can add depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "initially I believed" without providing a contrasting belief or understanding. The phrase is most effective when it sets up a clear evolution of your thought process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initially I believed" functions as an introductory clause or phrase, signaling a contrast or shift in perspective. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use to preface a statement that is then superseded by a new understanding or realization. It's often used to set up a narrative of changing beliefs.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initially I believed" is a useful introductory phrase to indicate a shift in your thinking or perspective. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability in written English. While categorized as rare, the examples show usage across News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you clearly contrast it with your current belief for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first I thought

Replaces "initially" with "at first" while maintaining the same meaning of a previous belief.

originally, I was under the impression

Substitutes the phrase with a more formal expression indicating a prior understanding that later changed.

to begin with, I had the belief

Emphasizes the starting point of a belief before a change occurred.

in the beginning, my belief was

Highlights the initial state of a belief, similar to the original phrase.

I used to think

A more casual way of expressing a past belief that is no longer held.

my initial thought was

Focuses on the initial thought process rather than a firm belief.

I formerly believed

A more formal way to state a previous belief.

earlier, I was of the opinion

Indicates a previous opinion that has since changed.

I once thought

A simple way to express a belief held in the past.

I had once believed

Emphasizes the past nature of the belief.

FAQs

How can I use "initially I believed" in a sentence?

Use "initially I believed" to introduce a viewpoint that you held in the past, which has since changed. For example, "Initially I believed that the project would be easy, but I was mistaken."

What phrases are similar to "initially I believed"?

Alternatives include "at first I thought", "originally I was under the impression", or "I used to think".

Is it appropriate to use "initially I believed" in formal writing?

Yes, "initially I believed" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly indicates a change in perspective. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "formerly I believed" if the context requires it.

What's the difference between "initially I believed" and "I now believe"?

"Initially I believed" introduces a past belief, while "I now believe" states your current belief. Using both in sequence highlights the contrast between your past and present perspectives.