ENGLISH
REFERENCE

originally

adv. time
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ɝˈɪdʒənəɫi// UK //əɹˈɪdʒɪnəli// orig·i·nal·ly General-service

adv. at the very beginning of a situation or process. You use it to describe how something was before it changed.

adv. at the beginning or in the first instance; in an original manner. Often used to contrast an initial state with a subsequent change.


SIMPLE

The house was originally painted blue.

CONTEXTUAL

The building was originally a factory, but it was converted into modern apartments ten years ago.

COMPLEX

Although the script was originally intended as a short film, the director expanded the narrative into a full-length feature after securing additional funding.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English originali; equivalent to original + -ly.

Usage

Typically placed before the main verb or after the verb 'to be'.

Pitfall

I originally am from ItalyI am originally from ItalyWhen used with the verb 'to be', the adverb should follow the verb rather than precede it.

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