I certainly thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I certainly thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong belief or assumption you had about something in the past. Example: "I certainly thought we would win the game after our strong performance in the first half."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

But I certainly thought it through.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I certainly thought a lot about our life there".

The Guardian - Film

I certainly thought he had a girl in every port".

The New York Times

"I certainly thought it was racially biased," he said.

The New Yorker

"I certainly thought a 70 would lose some ground.

The New York Times - Sports

Aged 12, I certainly thought that engagement rings and house purchases signified romantic solidity.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

But I certainly think it.

The New York Times

I certainly think we can.

The Economist

I certainly think so.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I certainly think so," said Ms. Bancroft.

The New York Times

"I certainly think he couldn't have.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I certainly thought" to express a past belief or assumption that may or may not align with current reality. It adds a personal touch to your writing.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "I believed" or "I assumed" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I certainly thought" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past belief or assumption held by the speaker. Ludwig AI confirms this usage. It is used to convey a personal viewpoint on a particular matter. For example: "I certainly thought he had a girl in every port".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I certainly thought" is a commonly used phrase to convey a past belief or assumption. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it is crucial to consider the formality of the context; alternatives like "I believed" or "I assumed" may be more suitable for formal writing. Related phrases such as "I definitely believed" or "I genuinely assumed" offer variations in emphasis. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use the phrase to add a personal touch while maintaining clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I definitely believed

Emphasizes a strong and unwavering conviction.

I genuinely assumed

Highlights the sincerity and honesty of the assumption.

I truly considered

Focuses on a thoughtful and careful assessment.

I firmly held the opinion

Suggests a strong and unwavering viewpoint.

I was under the impression

Indicates a perception or understanding, possibly mistaken.

I had the distinct feeling

Emphasizes a clear and strong intuition.

I confidently expected

Highlights a sense of assurance in the expectation.

It seemed clear to me

Expresses a personal conviction based on available evidence.

I had every reason to believe

Justifies the belief with logical reasoning.

I took it for granted

Implies an assumption made without conscious thought.

FAQs

How can I use "I certainly thought" in a sentence?

Use "I certainly thought" to express a past belief or assumption, as in, "I certainly thought the movie would be longer based on the book length."

What can I say instead of "I certainly thought"?

You can use alternatives like "I definitely believed", "I genuinely assumed", or "I truly considered" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I certainly thought" or "I surely thought"?

"I certainly thought" is generally preferred over "I surely thought" for expressing a past belief or assumption. "Surely" often implies a question or expectation.

What's the difference between "I certainly thought" and "I just thought"?

"I certainly thought" expresses a stronger conviction or belief than "I just thought", which can imply a casual or fleeting consideration.