I formerly thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I formerly thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a change in belief or understanding from a previous time. Example: "I formerly thought that all cats were aloof, but I've come to realize that many are quite affectionate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

More substantial, but still classed as appetizers, are two dishes made from Pacific mussels, which are shellfish I formerly thought only a mollusk could love.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Don said that despite the lack of attention I had given the garden, it had "good bones" as well as "good air movement" (something I had formerly thought of as "a breeze") and that while the owner before me had made some mistakes, several plants were thriving, like a group of hardy hostas and a healthy-looking andromeda, and he planned to keep these, along with the prized aucuba.

The New York Times

However, the latest findings suggest that the topic is more complex than formerly thought and demand a more holistic perspective.

Quaternary Science Reviews

This study exposes the deceptive role of trace metal in formerly thought to be metal-free graphene materials.

Carbon

It was formerly thought to arise from adrenal cortical cells lying within the kidney substance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lyrebirds were formerly thought to be related to pheasants or to the birds-of-paradise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The psychological motivations of rapists are more complex than was formerly thought.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They don't steal as much as formerly thought, but they are not innocent either.

The New York Times

Proteins formerly thought to be specific of bone have been identified in atheroma lesions; and associations linking vertebral and proximal femoral fractures to aortic calcifications have been reported.

Joint Bone Spine

Seriously, how can anyone write such a sentence referring to "recent advances" as though we formerly thought humans were automatons.

The New York Times

It was formerly thought to lead, or "pilot," larger fishes to food sources, hence its common name.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I formerly thought" when you want to clearly indicate a shift in your understanding or belief over time. It's particularly useful when contrasting your past perspective with your current one.

Common error

Avoid using "I formerly thought" in informal settings where simpler phrases like "I used to think" or "I once believed" would be more appropriate. Overly formal language can sound stilted or unnatural in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I formerly thought" functions as a declarative statement introducing a retracted belief or opinion. It indicates a shift in perspective. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I formerly thought" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a change in one's beliefs or understanding. Though not as common as alternatives like "I used to think", it lends a formal tone suitable for news, encyclopedic content, and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its effectiveness in contrasting past perspectives with present ones. When using this phrase, consider your audience and the level of formality appropriate for the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I used to think

Replaces "formerly" with "used to", making it more conversational.

I once believed

Emphasizes a past belief, similar in meaning but with a slightly different tone.

I previously considered

More formal than "I used to think", suitable for academic or professional contexts.

I had thought before

Highlights the prior nature of the thought, implying a change in perspective.

Earlier, I was under the impression

More elaborate and formal, suitable for detailed explanations.

In the past, I assumed

Highlights the assumption made in the past, now corrected.

My initial thought was

Focuses on the starting point of a thought process that has evolved.

At first, I believed

Similar to "I once believed" but emphasizes the initial stage.

I formerly held the opinion

Very formal and explicit, indicating a specific change in opinion.

I had earlier supposed

Emphasizes a past supposition that has been revised.

FAQs

What does "I formerly thought" mean?

The phrase "I formerly thought" means that you held a particular belief or understanding in the past, but you no longer hold that belief. It indicates a change in your thinking.

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

You can use "I formerly thought" to introduce a past belief that you now disagree with. For example, "I formerly thought that all cats were aloof, but now I know that many are quite affectionate."

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

You can use alternatives like "I used to think", "I once believed", or "I previously considered" depending on the context.

Is "I formerly thought" formal or informal?

"I formerly thought" is generally considered a more formal way of expressing a change in belief. In more casual settings, phrases like "I used to think" are more common.