it was not envisaged

USAGE SUMMARY

'it was not envisaged' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to talk about something that was not anticipated or foreseen. For example, "It was not envisaged that so many difficulties would arise during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

When Douglass designed them, and Kavanagh built them, they were never made to be opened from outside, because it was not envisaged that the lighthouse would be unmanned.

The Economist

They are now reviewing the situation as it was not envisaged that the mother would take the cub outside so early.

Independent

It was not envisaged that clinicians would be misled; instead the problem was projected onto patients: "What Joe Public won't know is, is this average change starting from 42 and going to 52 or is it an average change of ten points from 20 points to 30?

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Given the level of Japan's foreign exchange reserves and the wealth of the country, it is not envisaged at this stage that its partners would need to provide direct financial assistance.

The New York Times

It is not envisaged that staff will benefit financially from this part of the package.

The Guardian

The potential revenue from this arbitrage can offset the cost and losses of storage; the cost of storage may add 25% to the cost of any wind energy stored but it is not envisaged that this would apply to a large proportion of wind energy generated.

Wikipedia

The 'sufficient' quality of bathing water was not envisaged in the Commission proposal nor was it introduced by amendments at first reading.

European Parliament

In addition, it revealed an alternative binding orientation involving a second tautomeric form of the inhibitor that was not envisaged during the design stage.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters

However, such online monitoring of blanket sub-assembly outlet temperature was not envisaged.

Annals of Nuclear Energy

Unfortunately, this annotation is in effect ad hoc in a manner that was not envisaged for the original XYZ format.

Journal of Cheminformatics

When complete correction was not envisaged, a calculated residual deformity was accepted.

Acta Orthopaedica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was not envisaged" to express that a particular outcome, situation, or consequence was not foreseen or considered during the planning or initial stages of something. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and professional contexts where precision and clarity are important.

Common error

Avoid using "it was not envisaged" in informal conversations or casual writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it wasn't expected" or "we didn't see that coming" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was not envisaged" functions as a passive construction used to indicate a lack of anticipation or foresight. It suggests that something was not considered, planned for, or expected. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing unforeseen outcomes and unexpected situations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was not envisaged" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express that something was not anticipated or foreseen. Ludwig identifies it as a formal expression suitable for professional, scientific, and news contexts. While the phrase is relatively rare, its meaning is clear, and it is often used to highlight a deviation from initial expectations. When writing, remember that this phrase is better suited to formal contexts and should be replaced with simpler alternatives in casual settings. Common synonyms include "it was not expected" and "it was unforeseen". Ultimately, understanding the nuance and context of this phrase allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unforeseen

This alternative replaces "envisaged" with "unforeseen", directly emphasizing the lack of foresight.

it was unanticipated

This alternative uses "unanticipated" instead of "envisaged", stressing the unexpected nature of the event.

it was not anticipated

This phrase is nearly identical but uses "anticipated" instead of "envisaged", making it slightly more common in everyday language.

it was not expected

Using "expected" offers a simpler and more direct way to convey that something was not predicted.

it was not planned

This emphasizes the absence of a plan or intention for something to occur.

it was not conceived

This phrase suggests that the idea or possibility of something happening never occurred.

it was not contemplated

This alternative uses "contemplated", suggesting a lack of consideration or thought about something.

it was not predicted

This alternative focuses on the lack of prediction for a specific event.

it was not imagined

This highlights that something was beyond the realm of imagination or possibility.

it took everyone by surprise

This alternative shifts from a passive construction to an active one, emphasizing the surprise element.

FAQs

What does "it was not envisaged" mean?

The phrase "it was not envisaged" means that something was not anticipated, foreseen, or considered as a possibility. It implies a lack of prior planning or expectation regarding a particular event or outcome.

How can I use "it was not envisaged" in a sentence?

You can use "it was not envisaged" to describe situations where an outcome was unexpected. For instance, "It was not envisaged that the project would encounter so many delays."

What can I say instead of "it was not envisaged"?

You can use alternatives like "it was not expected", "it was unforeseen", or "it was unanticipated" depending on the context.

Is "it was not envisaged" formal or informal?

"It was not envisaged" is a relatively formal phrase. In more casual settings, phrases like "it wasn't expected" or "we didn't see that coming" might be more appropriate.