initially intended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initially intended" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was planned or meant to happen at the beginning of a process or situation. Example: "The project was initially intended to be completed in six months, but it took longer than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It initiated the measures in December and initially intended to end them in July.

BBC

The family never initially intended to leave.

The New York Times

Dr. Lee initially intended to become a practicing physician.

The New York Times - Health

The book was initially intended to be just about Britain, "but soon spiralled.

The Guardian

Pritchard says the work, initially intended to help children with disfigurement, has benefited all the pupils.

The Guardian

Bowie initially intended the project as a soundtrack to a theatrical adaptation of Orwell's novel.

The Guardian

Although Frum initially intended his "strong language" to apply only to Iraq, Iran was quickly added.

The New Yorker

He had initially intended to move back to New York after a year.

The New York Times

She had initially intended to become a live translator for the United Nations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All Scorsese fans know that the great American director initially intended to become a priest.

Independent

The funny thing is, this is not at all how the term "type A" was initially intended to be used.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing evolving plans or projects, use "initially intended" to set the stage and then explain how and why the intentions changed over time.

Common error

Avoid using "initially intended" when you mean the current intention. "Initially intended" refers to a past plan, not the present one. Make sure it reflects a change that has already occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initially intended" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a past participle. It indicates the original purpose or plan before any modifications or changes occurred, providing context about prior intentions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initially intended" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe a prior plan or purpose that has since changed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure you are referring to a past intention, and that it contrasts with the current state. Alternatives like "originally planned" or "first meant to" can be used depending on context. By understanding its function and typical usage, you can effectively incorporate "initially intended" into your writing to provide clarity and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

originally planned

Emphasizes the original plan or design.

first meant to

Highlights the original intention or purpose.

originally designed

Focuses on the initial design or blueprint.

at first contemplated

Indicates an initial consideration or thought.

previously envisioned

Stresses a prior vision or concept.

had originally thought

Highlights a past thought or idea.

primarily purposed

Focuses on the main initial aim or goal.

formerly proposed

Indicates a previous suggestion or proposition.

early proposed to

Early proposal of something.

in the beginning planned

Highlights the actions planned at the origin of time.

FAQs

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

Use "initially intended" to describe a plan or purpose that existed at the beginning but later changed. For example, "The project was "initially intended" to be completed in six months, but it took a year."

What is a good alternative to "initially intended"?

Alternatives include "originally planned", "first meant to", or "originally designed", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "initially intended"?

While "intended" already implies a purpose, "initially intended" adds emphasis to the fact that the purpose has since changed. It's useful for highlighting a shift in plans.

What's the difference between "initially intended" and "currently intended"?

"Initially intended" refers to a plan from the past, while "currently intended" refers to a plan for the present or future. Use "initially intended" only when the plan has changed.