was initially considered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was initially considered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a preliminary evaluation or assessment of something before a final decision or conclusion is made. Example: "The proposal was initially considered but later rejected due to budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was initially considered little more than a crank bill.

The New York Times

The Georgia race was initially considered out of reach for Democrats.

The New York Times

It was initially considered for Olympic volleyball competitions, and it is lined with luxury condos today.

The New York Times

FSGS was initially considered to be the histological expression of a single disease entity.

American Journal of Kidney Diseases

Although it was initially considered too radical, it is now seen as an iconic design.

Independent

They need to know especially that neither of them was initially considered smart enough to enter any college or university.

The Guardian - Opinion

Converting government loans into Alstom shares was initially considered by Mr. Sarkozy's predecessor, Francis Mer, last September.

The New York Times

Although this was initially considered a disorder, the photographer and conceptual artist Lukas Felzmann suggests that this tendency is also a source of human creativity.

Stanford University

Sage Tower at Holder Hall was initially considered, but it was neither large enough nor strong enough for the 35 bells.

Princeton University

He was initially considered for Alda's character, but preferred Trapper's sunnier disposition to Hawkeye's darkly acerbic personality.

Independent

I think the chief diversity officer role was initially considered to be very much an organisational development and HR functional role.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure that the subsequent text clarifies how the initial consideration evolved or was revised based on new information or insights.

Common error

Avoid using "was initially considered" when the initial consideration is still valid or has not been superseded by new information. This phrase implies a shift in perspective or understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was initially considered" functions as an introductory element in a sentence, setting up a contrast between a previous assessment and a current understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signals a shift in perspective or knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was initially considered" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a past perspective that has since evolved. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and the plentiful examples show that it is very common. It is commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, signaling a shift in understanding or perspective. When using this phrase, ensure that you clarify the contrast between the initial consideration and the current understanding to provide clear and informative context. Related phrases such as "was originally thought" offer similar nuances. It's important to remember that, while the phrase is widely used, the temporal implication should be accurate to avoid misleading the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was originally thought

Focuses on the original perception or belief about something.

was first believed

Highlights the initial acceptance of an idea or fact as true.

was initially regarded

Emphasizes the initial opinion or estimation of something.

was preliminarily assessed

Indicates a temporary or early evaluation of something.

was tentatively viewed

Suggests a cautious or provisional perspective on something.

was provisionally deemed

Highlights a conditional or temporary judgment about something.

was at first assumed

Emphasizes the beginning assumption about something, which may not be true anymore.

was at the outset contemplated

Focuses on something that was thought during the beginning of a process.

started out as

Highlights the initial form or function of something.

began as

Focuses on the start of something, not necessarily involving consideration.

FAQs

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

Use "was initially considered" to introduce a previous understanding, belief, or assessment that has since been modified or disproven. For example, "The project "was initially considered" too risky, but new data changed that perception."

What are some alternatives to using "was initially considered"?

Alternatives include "was originally thought", "was first believed", or "was initially regarded", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "initially" with "considered"?

While "considered" can imply a thought process at some point, "initially considered" emphasizes that the consideration occurred at the beginning of a process or period, and that this view may have changed.

What's the difference between "was initially considered" and "is currently considered"?

"Was initially considered" refers to a past assessment that may no longer be valid, while "is currently considered" refers to the present understanding or assessment. Using both phrases in conjunction can highlight a shift in perspective.