we initially envisioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we initially envisioned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a concept, idea, or plan that was imagined or anticipated at the beginning of a project or process. Example: "In our project proposal, we initially envisioned a community center that would serve as a hub for local activities and events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"What we initially envisioned for BMG was an integrated rights company based on nontraditional models," he said.

The New York Times

My partner and I said we would give our company five years to reach the potential we initially envisioned.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not quite the simple trip to South Sudan we had initially envisioned.

Vice

Prior to implementation we had initially envisioned a primarily web-based SCP.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

However, RT-qPCR data reported here indicates that the guppy eye might not be the irradiance detector we had initially envisioned.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

"When there's damage, that damage has a longer-term effect than we may have initially envisioned, but the more significant factor is that initial damage," said Lasker.

Huffington Post

This week's request wouldn't be taking place if both sides had abided by the Oslo Accords' original time frame, if Israel's peacemaking prime minister, Yitzhak Rabin, hadn't been assassinated in 1995, and if we'd reached a permanent agreement by May 1999, as initially envisioned.

The New York Times

His mother initially envisioned him as a dentist.

The New York Times

Mr. Bhatia said he initially envisioned constructing a 150-unit rental apartment building.

The New York Times

The city initially envisioned it as a place where bicycle riders could rest.

The New York Times

The students said they initially envisioned their article solely as an analysis of West Islip.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we initially envisioned", ensure the context clearly indicates how the initial vision evolved or changed over time. This provides a richer understanding of the project's development.

Common error

Don't assume the reader knows the initial vision is different from the current reality. Always clarify the contrast between "we initially envisioned" and the present state to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we initially envisioned" functions as a statement of intent or a retrospective description of a prior plan or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It is frequently used to set a baseline or to contrast an initial idea with the eventual outcome, like in "What we initially envisioned for BMG was an integrated rights company based on nontraditional models."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we initially envisioned" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for describing an initial plan or idea. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and the examples provided by Ludwig show it is most commonly found in news and media, and scientific contexts. It is often used to contrast the original vision with the final outcome. Remember to clarify how the initial vision evolved and avoid assuming the reader knows it differs from the current state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we originally imagined

Replaces 'envisioned' with 'imagined', emphasizing the mental picture formed at the beginning.

we initially conceived

Uses 'conceived' instead of 'envisioned', focusing on the formation of the idea.

we had initially planned

Substitutes 'envisioned' with 'planned', highlighting the initial stage of planning.

our initial vision was

Restructures the sentence to focus on the 'vision' itself, rather than the act of envisioning.

we first anticipated

Replaces 'envisioned' with 'anticipated', focusing on the expectation of something happening.

we had originally thought

Uses 'thought' instead of 'envisioned', making the sentence more informal.

we initially foresaw

Replaces 'envisioned' with 'foresaw', suggesting a prediction of the future.

at first we imagined

Adds 'at first' for emphasis on the temporal aspect of the initial imagining.

in our original design

Shift focuses on the design or blueprint originally intended.

our preliminary concept was

Emphasizes the preliminary nature of the concept, highlighting its early stage.

FAQs

What does "we initially envisioned" mean?

The phrase "we initially envisioned" means that something was imagined or planned by a group at the beginning of a project or process. It refers to the original concept or idea that the group had.

How can I use "we initially envisioned" in a sentence?

You can use "we initially envisioned" to describe the starting point of a plan or idea, before it may have been altered or changed. For example, "We initially envisioned a small community garden, but it grew into a large urban farm."

What are some alternatives to "we initially envisioned"?

Some alternatives to "we initially envisioned" include "we originally imagined", "we initially planned", or "we first anticipated".

Is "we initially envisioned" formal or informal?

"We initially envisioned" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, depending on the audience, phrases like "we originally imagined" or "we had initially planned" can be used to adjust the level of formality.