originally planned to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "originally planned to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing intentions or arrangements that were made in the past but may have changed. Example: "The event was originally planned to be held outdoors, but due to the weather, we moved it inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Born in Warrington, Postlethwaite had originally planned to be a priest.

The Guardian - Film

Because concert and opera career opportunities for black singers were limited, Warfield originally planned to be a music teacher.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The site where Target may now locate was originally planned to be a multiplex movie theater, Mr. Morris said.

The New York Times

It was originally planned to be an account of his extraordinary and little-known work in the theatre.

The Guardian - Books

"A photojournalist is not a job that a child is told to be," said Mr. Roye, who originally planned to be an English teacher.

The New York Times

IT is curious, but not a surprise, to learn that two fixtures in the downtown dance world originally planned to be actors.

The New York Times - Arts

Like others on the doomed plane, Mr. Glick, 31, and Mr. Burnett, 38, had not originally planned to be aboard the 8 a.m. flight.

The New York Times

Released on 7in, 12in and cassette, and originally planned to be released on Electric Cafe (1986), no definitive edition of this gleaming track exists.

The Guardian - Music

Next door to the gardens is the Brooklyn Museum of Art, originally planned to be the biggest museum in the world.

The Guardian - Travel

He suggested positioning the opera house directly on the Volksgarten (it was originally planned to be 100 metres away), which required the city's principal thoroughfare to be rerouted to accommodate the new building.

The Economist

He had, however, originally planned to be a priest.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly explains what the alternative outcome or plan is, providing a complete picture for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "originally planned to be" without clarifying what the final outcome or revised plan was. Failing to provide this context leaves the reader with an incomplete understanding and can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "originally planned to be" functions as a modifier, indicating the initial intent or design of something before a change occurred. It sets a temporal context, highlighting the difference between the initial intention and the current reality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

32%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "originally planned to be" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a shift from an initial intention or design. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. The phrase is commonly found in news articles, Wikipedia entries, and scientific publications. To enhance clarity, always specify the subsequent change or outcome when using this phrase. Remember that while alternatives like "initially intended to be" exist, they don't always capture the specific emphasis on alteration as effectively as "originally planned to be".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially intended to be

Emphasizes the initial intention behind something, similar to the original plan.

first conceived as

Highlights the initial idea or concept of something.

originally designed as

Focuses on the original design or purpose of something.

at first proposed as

Highlights the initial proposal or suggestion for something.

previously envisioned as

Emphasizes a prior vision or expectation for something.

was meant to be initially

Indicates an initial intention or expectation that has since changed.

was initially slated to be

Highlights the initial scheduling or arrangement for something.

was formerly intended as

Focuses on a previous intention or plan that is no longer in effect.

was initially set to be

Emphasizes the initial setup or arrangement for something.

once contemplated as

Highlights a former consideration or idea that may not have been pursued.

FAQs

How can I use "originally planned to be" in a sentence?

Use "originally planned to be" to describe something's initial intention that has since changed. For instance, "The building was "originally planned to be" a hotel, but it became an apartment complex".

What's a good alternative to "originally planned to be"?

Alternatives include "initially intended to be", "first conceived as", or "previously envisioned as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "originally planned to be"?

While "planned" implies an original intention, using "originally" emphasizes that the plan has changed, providing additional clarity. It's not strictly redundant, but rather adds emphasis.

What's the difference between "originally planned to be" and "was supposed to be"?

"Originally planned to be" suggests a formal plan that was later altered. "Was supposed to be" implies a general expectation or informal arrangement. The former is more suitable for formal contexts, while the latter is more casual.