it was envisaged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was envisaged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing plans, ideas, or expectations that were anticipated or imagined in the past. Example: "In the initial project proposal, it was envisaged that the new software would significantly improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It planned to create a "new campus" for its UK businesses, including News International, HarperCollins, MySpace, Dow Jones and Fox, and it was envisaged the project would be completed in 2012.

BBC

It was envisaged that such standards would travel between countries and be compared to each other.

Nature

Ironically it was envisaged as a utopian ideal for communal living in the 1960s.

The Guardian

But it was envisaged from the outset that it should become self-financing as quickly as possible.

The New York Times - Arts

Before the tour it was envisaged that Root would be opening with Alastair Cook as he did in the summer.

The Guardian - Sport

It was envisaged by both this and the previous government that faith groups would be some of the new providers.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was envisaged that BAIC could help assemble and market Atieva's vehicles in China, while LeEco would contribute connectivity and entertainment systems.

The Guardian - Tech

It was envisaged that the addition of DOP to the afore-mentioned formulation might favorably influence the mechanical, optical and thermal properties of our formulation.

Radiation Physics and Chemistry

"Why should utopia have been such an all-pervading failure, when it was envisaged as a form of national salvation?," she wrote.

The Guardian

He said: "It was envisaged as a major spreading of tourists, but it never materialised".

BBC

It was envisaged that a comprehensive treaty would be concluded within five years.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was envisaged" to introduce a plan or expectation that existed at a specific point in the past. This phrasing often sets the stage for discussing the outcomes or changes related to that initial plan.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overusing "it was envisaged" can make writing sound unnecessarily formal or antiquated. Consider using more direct or contemporary alternatives, such as "it was planned" or "it was expected", particularly in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was envisaged" functions as a passive construction used to introduce a plan, expectation, or intention that existed at some point in the past. Ludwig shows examples in scientific, news, and formal business contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was envisaged" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce past plans or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, suggesting alternatives like "it was planned" or "it was anticipated" for varied contexts. Though versatile, it leans towards formal or scientific writing, with the bulk of examples stemming from the sciences and news media. Overusing it can sound overly formal, so writers should adjust based on the intended audience and purpose of their communication. Use “it was envisaged” to set a stage that is relevant to a plan or expectation that existed at a specific point in the past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was envisioned

"Envisioned" is a close synonym for "envisaged", both implying a mental image or concept of something.

it was anticipated

Replaces "envisaged" with "anticipated", maintaining a similar sense of expectation but with a slightly different nuance.

it was foreseen

"Foreseen" suggests a predictive element, implying that something was anticipated based on insight or foresight.

it was expected

"Expected" conveys a sense of anticipation based on prior knowledge or understanding.

the expectation was

Focuses on the anticipation or belief that something would happen or be the case.

it was planned

"Planned" is a more direct and concrete alternative to "envisaged", suggesting a specific course of action.

it was contemplated

"Contemplated" indicates that something was considered or thought about as a possibility.

the projection was

Implies a forecast or prediction about a future outcome.

it was intended

"Intended" highlights the purpose or goal behind an action or plan.

the idea was

This is a less formal way of expressing the initial concept or plan.

FAQs

How can I use "it was envisaged" in a sentence?

Use "it was envisaged" to describe a plan, idea, or expectation that existed in the past. For example, "It was envisaged that the project would be completed by the end of the year."

What's a less formal way to say "it was envisaged"?

Less formal alternatives include "it was planned", "it was expected", or simply, "the idea was".

Is "it was envisioned" the same as "it was envisaged"?

Yes, "it was envisioned" is a direct synonym for "it was envisaged". Both phrases suggest a mental image or anticipation of something in the past.

When should I use "it was envisaged" instead of "it is envisaged"?

"It was envisaged" refers to a past plan or expectation, while "it is envisaged" refers to a present or future plan. For example, "It was envisaged last year that we would expand the team" (past) vs. "It is envisaged that we will expand the team next year" (future).