was initially intended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was initially intended" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the original purpose or plan for something before any changes or developments occurred. Example: "The project was initially intended to focus on renewable energy sources, but it later expanded to include other environmental issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That very measure was initially intended for use against dissidents.

The New York Times

Bt brinjal was initially intended for Bangladesh, India and the Philippines.

Cornell University

But the system was initially intended more for civil defence than commuter transport, said Wang.

The Guardian

The book was initially intended to be just about Britain, "but soon spiralled.

The Guardian

Both men specified that the partnership was initially intended to be for the 2014 season alone.

Independent

Hammersmith is the fifth area to pilot the benefit, which was initially intended to cover the UK by this month.

The Guardian

The pilot plant closest to completion is CAREM in Argentina and was initially intended for use in submarines.

The Guardian

The funny thing is, this is not at all how the term "type A" was initially intended to be used.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's hugely popular, but very different from the female-empowerment program it was initially intended to be.

The New Yorker

The book was initially intended as an advice manual for widows, cobbled together from the author's contemporary journals.

Independent

Despite the fact that it was initially intended for a wide area network, the WWW today enjoys tremendous success and penetration even in corporate environments.

Database and Data Communication Network Systems Techniques and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was initially intended", follow it with a description of how the original intention changed or evolved over time to provide a complete picture.

Common error

Avoid implying that the initial intention is still relevant if the current reality is significantly different. Make it clear whether the original intention was achieved or abandoned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was initially intended" functions as a declarative statement that introduces the original aim, purpose, or plan for something. It sets the context for understanding how something started before modifications or deviations occurred. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was initially intended" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe the original purpose or plan for something before any alterations or developments took place. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used across various domains, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. Its function is to provide context and background information, setting the stage for understanding subsequent changes. When employing this phrase, consider pairing it with an explanation of how the initial intention evolved to offer a complete narrative. Alternatives such as "was originally designed" and "was first meant to be" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was originally designed

Changes "initially intended" to "originally designed", focusing on the design aspect as the original purpose.

was first meant to be

Replaces "initially intended" with "first meant to be", emphasizing the original intention or plan.

was at first planned as

Uses "at first planned as" instead of "initially intended", highlighting the planning stage.

was originally conceived as

Substitutes "initially intended" with "originally conceived as", stressing the initial conceptualization.

was primarily designed for

Replaces "initially intended" with "primarily designed for", emphasizing the primary purpose of the design.

was initially created for

Changes "intended" to "created", focusing on the creation aspect for the original purpose.

was at the beginning foreseen as

Replaces "initially intended" with "at the beginning foreseen as", highlighting foresight.

was initially proposed as

Uses "initially proposed as" instead of "initially intended", stressing the proposal stage.

was originally set up to be

Substitutes "initially intended" with "originally set up to be", emphasizing the setup process.

was initially envisioned as

Replaces "initially intended" with "initially envisioned as", highlighting the initial vision.

FAQs

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

Use "was initially intended" to introduce the original purpose or plan for something, often followed by an explanation of how that purpose changed. For example, "The software "was initially intended" for internal use, but it became popular and was released to the public".

What are some alternatives to "was initially intended"?

Alternatives include "was originally designed", "was first meant to be", or "was originally conceived as". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it necessary to explain the change in purpose after using "was initially intended"?

While not always mandatory, explaining how the initial intention evolved provides a more complete and informative context. It helps the audience understand the full story behind the subject.

What's the difference between "was initially intended" and "was originally planned"?

Both phrases are similar, but ""was initially intended"" focuses more on the purpose or goal, while "was originally planned" emphasizes the structured arrangement or method. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the aim or the procedure.