initially viewed as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initially viewed as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how something was perceived or interpreted at the beginning of a situation or process. Example: "The new policy was initially viewed as a necessary change to improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Here in Israel, Mr. Cipel was initially viewed as either an enigma or an oddity.

The New York Times

When the trade was made, Longley was initially viewed as the Knicks' new starting center.

The New York Times - Sports

Idle No More was initially viewed as a local campaign before it used Facebook and Twitter to gain international recognition.

The Guardian

Still, if in South Africa the show was initially viewed as a sociopolitical phenomenon, in London it became an artistic happening.

The New York Times

Initially viewed as a person who stands for pure socialist, anti-Blairite values, now deployed only as a term of abuse.

The Guardian

Corbyn was initially viewed as fringe candidate for the Labour leadership but gained trade union backing and won in a landslide last year.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

And while it appears Bourdieu's initial conceptualisation of 'reflexivity' provides a space for agency, Bourdieu initially viewed reflexivity as a capacity mostly belonging to himself and other 'appropriately trained' sociologists (Yang Yang 2014; Mesny 2002).

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

The E. coli with which C. elegans is cultured was initially viewed merely as a food source for the worm, and more recently as mildly pathogenic (Garigan et al, 2002; Gems & Riddle, 2000).

EMBO Molecular Medicine

He initially viewed that as a way to compensate for hockey skills that needed to be honed as he skated on third and fourth lines.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Green said the pros were initially viewed more as "horses for courses," dancers who fit the needs of the celebrity partner.

The New York Times - Arts

One problem is that academic researchers and drug companies initially viewed sarcopenia as primarily a loss of muscle mass, a direct analogy to bone density in osteoporosis.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initially viewed as" to highlight a contrast between an early perception and a later, more accurate understanding. This is especially effective when explaining shifts in opinions or beliefs.

Common error

Avoid using "initially viewed as" multiple times within a single paragraph. This can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "originally regarded as" or "first perceived as."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initially viewed as" functions as a transitional and descriptive element, setting up a contrast between a past perception and a current understanding. Ludwig AI suggests it indicates how something was understood at the start.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initially viewed as" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to introduce a contrast between an early perception and a more current understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is transitional and descriptive, highlighting shifts in perspective. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and wiki sources, it maintains a neutral to professional register. To enhance clarity and avoid redundancy, consider alternatives like "originally regarded as" or "first perceived as". This phrase is particularly valuable for explaining evolving opinions or beliefs, offering a nuanced way to present information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

originally regarded as

Focuses on initial opinions or classifications.

first perceived as

Highlights the earliest impressions of something.

originally conceived as

Highlights the initial design, plan, or idea.

formerly considered

Implies a shift from a previous understanding.

previously thought of as

Highlights past beliefs that have since changed.

at first glance

Emphasizes an immediate, superficial judgment.

once seen as

Similar to "formerly considered" but slightly less formal.

earlier understood as

Emphasizes a change in comprehension or knowledge.

in the beginning

More broadly references the start of something.

taken initially to be

Focuses on the very first interpretation or assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "initially viewed as" in a sentence?

Use "initially viewed as" to describe a past perception that has changed over time. For example, "The project was "initially viewed as" a risk, but it proved to be a success".

What are some alternatives to "initially viewed as"?

Alternatives include "originally regarded as", "first perceived as", or "formerly considered". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "initially view as"?

No, the correct phrasing is "initially viewed as". The past participle "viewed" is necessary to indicate that the viewing happened in the past.

What's the difference between "initially viewed as" and "later viewed as"?

"Initially viewed as" describes the first impression or understanding, while "later viewed as" describes how that perception changed over time. They highlight the contrast between early and subsequent perspectives.