originally going

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "originally going" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a plan or intention that was established at an earlier time but may have changed since then. Example: "I was originally going to attend the conference, but I had to cancel my plans due to a scheduling conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Greenhouse warming was originally going to be "uncontrolled".

The Economist

Mr. Butler was originally going to restore the cabin.

The New York Times

I was originally going to call it Lagos.

The Guardian

It was originally going to be so straightforward.

The Guardian - Film

What was it originally going to look like?

The Guardian

Was the book originally going to look or sound very different from how it ended up?

The New York Times

The hall's renovation was originally going to be part of Lincoln Center's campuswide redevelopment.

The New York Times - Arts

MIKE NICHOLS was originally going to direct it, but decided to produce it.

The New York Times

Tony Kushner (there were originally going to be seven plays), got stuck.

The New York Times

Its size and luxury were such it was originally going to be named the Gigantic.

The Guardian

Was the movie originally going to finish with a happy-ever-after, or a musical showstopper?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "originally going" to clearly indicate a change in plans or intentions, providing context for the current situation. For instance, "I was "originally going" to travel by train, but I decided to fly instead".

Common error

Avoid using "originally going" when you mean a current or ongoing intention. The phrase specifically refers to a past intention that has since changed. For example, don't say "I am originally going to the store", but rather "I was "originally going" to the store, but I got distracted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "originally going" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past intention or plan that has since been altered. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

24%

Huffington Post

12%

Less common in

TechCrunch

5%

Los Angeles Times

2%

Forbes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "originally going" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe a past plan or intention that has changed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "originally going", ensure you're referring to a past intention and not a current one. Consider using synonyms like "initially planning" or "first intended" to add variety to your writing. Remember that the primary function of "originally going" is to provide context by highlighting a shift in plans, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially planning

Focuses on the planning stage as the starting point.

first intended

Emphasizes the initial intention or purpose.

had intended to

Uses a more formal structure to express a past intention.

was supposed to

Highlights an expectation or arrangement that existed at one point.

had been planning to

Highlights the duration of the planning before a change.

at first planned

Stresses the timing of the initial plan.

had in mind to

Focuses on the mental concept or idea.

considered initially

Implies a thought process before a final decision.

preliminarily scheduled

Highlights that an event was scheduled but it can be changed

envisioned initially

Emphasizes the mental picture or vision of the original plan.

FAQs

How can I use "originally going" in a sentence?

Use "originally going" to describe a plan or intention that existed in the past but has since changed. For example, "The meeting was "originally going to" be held in London, but it was moved to New York".

What's a synonym for "originally going"?

You can use phrases like "initially planning", "first intended", or "had intended to" as alternatives to "originally going", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'I'm originally going'?

No, "I'm originally going" is not grammatically correct. The phrase "originally going" refers to a past intention, so you should use the past tense: "I was "originally going"."

What's the difference between "originally going" and "currently going"?

"Originally going" refers to a past plan that has changed, while "currently going" describes a plan or action that is happening now. For example, "I was "originally going" to stay home, but I decided to go out" versus "I am currently going to the store".