it was initially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was initially" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something started in a certain way or condition before possibly changing later on. Example: "It was initially thought that the project would take six months to complete, but it ended up taking a year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was, initially, applauded.

The New Yorker

It was initially ruled a penalty one.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was initially very sincere," he said.

The New Yorker

It was initially scheduled for Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

It was initially diagnosed as a fracture.

The New York Times - Arts

It was initially worth a staggering $376.2 million.

The New York Times

It was initially unclear whether the ban affected these visas.

The New York Times

It was initially deemed a success because battlefield videos disappeared.

The New York Times

It was initially published at 6 30 a.m.

The Washington Post

Just as it was, initially, for the two lovers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was initially a triumph to get something published.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was initially" to clearly indicate a starting point or original condition when describing a process, plan, or situation that has evolved over time. This helps to establish context and highlight any subsequent changes.

Common error

Avoid using "it was initially" if there's no subsequent change or development to contrast it with. If the state remained the same, use a more direct statement like "it was" or "it started as".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was initially" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause, indicating the starting state or condition of something. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it sets a temporal context, often implying a subsequent change or development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was initially" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the original state of something, often implying a subsequent change. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. The Ludwig examples highlight its function in providing background information and establishing a narrative. When using this phrase, ensure that a subsequent change or development is either explicitly stated or implied to justify the use of "initially".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially

This adverb is a direct synonym, preserving the original meaning.

originally

This single-word adverb directly expresses the initial state, and implies a possible change later.

at first

This phrase is a simple and direct way to indicate the initial stage of something.

at the beginning

This alternative focuses on the temporal aspect of the beginning, lacking the nuance of a potential subsequent change.

in the first place

This phrase emphasizes the primary or original reason or intention, rather than a chronological start.

to begin with

This phrase signifies the commencement of a series of events or conditions, often used in enumerations.

in its early stages

This alternative emphasizes the phase of initial development or existence.

in the beginning stages

Similar to "in its early stages", this emphasizes the commencement of a process.

when it began

This phrase frames the initial state as the time of commencement.

as a starting point

This alternative focuses on the beginning as a basis for further development.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it was initially" is used to describe the original state or condition of something that later changed. For example, "it was initially a secret, but now everyone knows about it."

What's a simple synonym for "it was initially"?

A simple synonym for "it was initially" is "at first". For instance, instead of saying "it was initially difficult", you can say "at first it was difficult".

How does "it was initially" compare to "it was finally"?

"It was initially" describes the beginning state, while "it was finally" describes the end or resolution of a process. They are opposites in terms of timeline, with the former focusing on the start and the latter on the conclusion.

Is "it was initially" formal or informal?

"It was initially" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While alternatives like "originally" or "at the beginning" may fit specific tones better, "it was initially" is generally appropriate.