I first thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I first thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an initial impression or belief about something before considering further information or changing your mind. Example: "I first thought the meeting would be boring, but it turned out to be quite engaging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prof Kaboğlu, who I first thought of, belongs to the same school of thought and rank.

Huffington Post

I can remember when I first thought seriously about Twitter.

The New York Times

"I first thought Jos�� might be a muskrat".

The New Yorker

When I first thought of this, I mentioned it to a friend.

The New York Times

"It ended up very differently than I first thought," Mr. Zakrzewski said.

The New York Times

They really did look fabulous, although maybe not so different as I first thought.

The New York Times - Magazine

In fact it was then that I first thought of the Dewhurst.

The Guardian - Sport

"That," he said, "was when I first thought he was going to be a high jumper".

The Guardian - Sport

When I first thought about not being able to sign, I was completely nonplussed.

The Guardian

Troika is a word more closely associated with these Babooshkah dolls than I first thought.

The New York Times - Sports

By God, there's more to this sport than I first thought.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I first thought" to introduce a contrast between an initial perception and a later realization, adding depth to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid presenting your initial thought as your current understanding without providing the necessary context or explanation of how your thinking evolved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I first thought" functions as an introductory clause expressing an initial perception, belief, or assumption. It sets the stage for a contrast or a shift in understanding, as demonstrated by the examples Ludwig provides. This is a common way to introduce a personal perspective that has evolved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I first thought" serves as a pivotal marker in discourse, signaling an initial perception that is about to be contrasted with a subsequent understanding. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and widespread use, predominantly in News & Media. While its straightforward nature lends itself to both formal and informal contexts, remember that more sophisticated alternatives like "initially I believed" can enhance clarity in specific writing scenarios. In essence, mastering the art of juxtaposing initial thoughts with evolved perspectives enriches the narrative, offering readers a deeper insight into your thought process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initially, I believed

Emphasizes the initial nature of the belief and can suggest a stronger conviction than "thought".

At first, I considered

Focuses on the act of considering something initially, rather than forming a definite thought.

My initial impression was

Highlights the first impression received about something or someone.

In the beginning, I assumed

Indicates an early assumption that was later proven to be true or false.

I originally presumed

Suggests a prior presumption that may have been based on incomplete information.

I had initially imagined

Emphasizes a mental image or idea formed at the start.

To begin with, I had the idea

Highlights the initial stage of forming an idea about something.

My preliminary thought was

Emphasizes the introductory nature of the thought and its potentially undeveloped state.

Early on, I had the opinion

Indicates that an opinion was formed at the beginning of a process or experience.

First off, I had the notion

Points to an early, possibly vague, idea or belief about something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I first thought" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "initially I believed" or "at first I considered", which provide a similar meaning with slightly elevated language.

Is it correct to say "I first thought" in academic writing?

Yes, "I first thought" is acceptable. However, consider the context. In some cases, more formal alternatives such as "initially I assumed" might be more appropriate for academic writing.

What's the difference between "I first thought" and "I initially thought"?

The difference is minimal. "I initially thought" emphasizes the beginning stage, while "I first thought" is a more general way of expressing an early impression. The terms are often interchangeable.

What can I say instead of "I first thought" when discussing a misconception?

To emphasize that your initial thought was incorrect, you could use phrases like "I originally presumed" or "my initial impression was", followed by an explanation of the correct understanding.