were envisioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were envisioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ideas, plans, or concepts that were imagined or conceived in the past. Example: "The new urban development project was ambitious, and many features were envisioned to enhance community living."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Even more far-reaching measures were envisioned.

The New York Times

The clinics were envisioned as a more cost-effective way to provide routine care.

The New York Times

He said such steps were envisioned in the first phase of the plan.

The New York Times

Slave labor and slave sales were envisioned as part of the financing model of the college even before the doors opened in 1789.

The New York Times

(The strikes were envisioned as reprisals for the presence of Kenyan and Ugandan troops in the peacekeeping force sent into Somalia by the African Union).

The New Yorker

The Camisea fields, discovered a generation ago by Shell, were envisioned as one of the largest energy developments in Latin America.

The New York Times

When they were first developed, college admissions tests were envisioned as a way to transform a university system built around class into one based on merit.

The New York Times

This winter the Salvation Army is distributing 3,000 jackets in Canada that were envisioned, executed and donated by the ad agency.

The New York Times

What kinds of doomsday scenarios were envisioned due to the recent disintegration of a "Rhode Island-size ice shelf" in Antarctica?

The New York Times

He made no mention of the fact that talks with North Korea that were envisioned for this week have been postponed until after the New Year holiday.

The New York Times

The elements embodied in the modern computer were envisioned by the English mathematician & inventor Charles Babbage, who, in the 19th century drew up a detailed design for a machine to be called Analytical Engine.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were envisioned" to describe plans or ideas that were formed in the past but may not have been realized or fully implemented. For instance, "The city's founders were envisioned a thriving metropolis."

Common error

Avoid using "were envisioned" in active voice sentences. It's generally used in passive constructions. Instead of saying "They were envisioned the project", use "The project was envisioned by them."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were envisioned" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically used to describe that something was imagined or planned in the past. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were envisioned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb construction that describes something imagined or planned. Ludwig AI confirms this, and the numerous examples from diverse sources—especially news, science, and wiki sources—underscore its widespread applicability. While alternatives like "were planned" or "were imagined" exist, "were envisioned" distinctly emphasizes the act of conceiving or visualizing. When using the phrase, remember to maintain a passive voice structure and consider its neutral to formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were conceived

Stresses the initial idea or concept from which something originated.

were imagined

Emphasizes the act of imagining or visualizing something.

were planned

Focuses on the planning aspect rather than the imaginative or conceptual aspect.

were intended

Focuses on the purpose or goal that was set for something.

were projected

Focuses on forecasting or predicting future outcomes or developments.

were foreseen

Emphasizes the ability to see or predict something in advance.

were anticipated

Emphasizes expectation and foresight, suggesting preparation for something expected to occur.

were contemplated

Highlights the process of considering or thinking deeply about something.

were designed

Highlights the intended design or purpose behind something.

were mapped out

Highlights the detailed planning and arrangement of something.

FAQs

How can I use "were envisioned" in a sentence?

"Were envisioned" is typically used in passive constructions to describe plans, ideas, or concepts that were imagined or conceived in the past. For example, "The reforms "were envisioned" as a way to improve efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "were envisioned"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "were planned", "were imagined", "were designed", or "were conceived".

Is it correct to say "envisioned" without "were"?

Yes, "envisioned" can be used without "were", but it changes the tense and voice. "Envisioned" without "were" is used in active voice constructions. For example, "The architect envisioned a modern building". With "were", it becomes passive: "A modern building "was envisioned" by the architect".

What's the difference between "were envisioned" and "were envisaged"?

"Were envisioned" and "were envisaged" are essentially synonyms. "Envisage" is more common in British English, while "envision" is more common in American English. Both mean to imagine or conceive something.