originally conceived as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "originally conceived as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the initial idea or purpose behind a project, concept, or creation. Example: "The character was originally conceived as a villain, but later evolved into a hero."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Tick" was originally conceived as a one-man show.

The New York Times

The complex was originally conceived as a rental.

The New York Times

The EU, originally conceived as an instrument of solidarity, is today held together by grim necessity.

The Guardian - Business

Eagles of Death Metal were originally conceived as a joke in a bar in 1998.

The Guardian - Music

Originally conceived as part casino, part live venue, it was owned by Mike Jeffery.

The Guardian - Books

The elegant rectangular watch, with its unique swivel case, was originally conceived as a sports watch.

The New York Times

Then take the case of the English parliament, originally conceived as a tax collecting device.

The Economist

Originally conceived as an encyclopaedia for women, it was to have been entitled Frauenzimmer-Lexikon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Roots music was originally conceived as America's chamber music," he said.

The New York Times

The proposed social fund was originally conceived as being earmarked for education and infrastructure spending.

The Economist

Respighi's 1922 charmer of a chamber opera was originally conceived as a puppet show, with offstage singers and chamber orchestra.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "originally conceived as", ensure that you clearly contrast it with the final outcome or current state of the subject. This highlights the evolution and provides context to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "originally conceived as" without providing further information on how the initial idea evolved or differed from its final form. Failing to do so can leave the reader with an incomplete understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "originally conceived as" functions as an introductory element setting the stage for describing the initial intention or design of something. It typically precedes a description of what something used to be before it evolved into its current form, as seen in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

23%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "originally conceived as" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to introduce the initial intention, design, or purpose of something. It's frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, as confirmed by Ludwig. The phrase serves to provide historical context, often setting up a contrast with the subject's current state. When using "originally conceived as", it's best practice to clearly articulate how the initial concept evolved, avoiding assumptions that the original conception remains unchanged. Alternatives include "initially designed as" and "first imagined as", offering subtle variations in emphasis. According to Ludwig, the phrase's correctness and wide usage make it a reliable choice for formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially designed as

Focuses on the initial design phase, emphasizing the original purpose or plan.

first imagined as

Highlights the initial act of imagining or envisioning the concept.

originally intended as

Emphasizes the original intention or purpose behind something.

initially planned as

Highlights the original planning stage and the initial layout or structure.

originally envisioned as

Focuses on the initial vision or mental image of the concept.

at first considered as

Indicates an initial consideration or thought that may have changed later.

began as

This shorter phrase emphasizes the starting point or origin of something.

started out as

Highlights the initial form or state of something at its inception.

was initially set up as

Indicates the original configuration or establishment of something.

was once thought to be

Implies a past belief or understanding that has since been revised or corrected.

FAQs

How can I use "originally conceived as" in a sentence?

Use "originally conceived as" to describe the initial intention or design of something, often contrasting it with its current state. For example, "The project was "originally conceived as" a small website, but it grew into a complex platform".

What are some alternatives to "originally conceived as"?

You can use alternatives such as "initially designed as", "first imagined as", or "originally intended as" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "originally conceive as" instead of "originally conceived as"?

No, "originally conceive as" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "originally conceived as", using the past participle "conceived".

What's the difference between "originally conceived as" and "later developed into"?

"Originally conceived as" describes the initial idea or plan, while "later developed into" indicates how that idea evolved and changed over time. They often appear together to show a transformation. For example, "The app was "originally conceived as" a simple task manager but later developed into a comprehensive project management tool".