I hardly thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I hardly thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express surprise or disbelief about a situation, indicating that the speaker did not expect something to happen. Example: "I hardly thought I would win the competition, but here I am with the trophy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"I hardly thought so".

The New Yorker

But I hardly thought of her.

The New Yorker

Most of the time, naturally, when Auntie Andy wasn't around, I hardly thought about Charlie.

The New Yorker

It must have taken about 20 minutes – I hardly thought about it.

The Guardian

I hardly thought so; I was inclined to give as little credit as I reasonably could to Herr von Junzt's account.

The New Yorker

Though many days she was so ordinary a tagalong that I hardly thought of her as an angel, every so often she would put on such majesty that it made me cower.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I hardly think you would want your kid's first thought to be alcohol as a solution to the problem.

Huffington Post

I hardly think so.

The New York Times

I hardly think about it that much," he said.

The New York Times

There I hardly think Romney was scraping bottom.

The New York Times

I opted for the can over the tube, though I hardly think it made a difference.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "I hardly thought" with a clarifying phrase to provide context for the unexpected outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "I hardly thought" when you mean to express strong conviction or certainty. The phrase implies a degree of doubt or lack of anticipation, so using it in situations demanding certainty may confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I hardly thought" functions as a qualifier, expressing a degree of surprise or a lack of expectation regarding a particular outcome or situation. It modifies the subsequent clause by introducing an element of unexpectedness, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I hardly thought" serves as a qualifier to indicate a sense of surprise or disbelief about a particular situation. It suggests that the speaker did not anticipate the outcome, or had low expectations to begin with. Ludwig AI classifies it as grammatically correct and primarily used in news and media contexts. While it's acceptable for both formal and informal use, choosing an alternative phrase such as "I barely considered" or "I didn't expect" may better suit the nuance you're trying to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I barely considered

Emphasizes the lack of thorough consideration.

I scarcely imagined

Highlights the unexpected nature of the event.

I little expected

Focuses on the absence of anticipation.

I didn't anticipate

Indicates a lack of foresight regarding the outcome.

I never reckoned

Expresses surprise at an unforeseen development.

It didn't cross my mind

Highlights the complete absence of a thought.

It wasn't on my radar

Suggests the event was not considered relevant or important.

I gave it little thought

Indicates minimal attention or consideration.

I didn't dwell on it

Implies a brief and fleeting consideration.

I brushed it aside

Suggests a quick dismissal of the idea.

FAQs

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

Use "I hardly thought" to express mild surprise or disbelief about something. For example, "I hardly thought I would get the job, but here I am".

What's a good alternative to "I hardly thought"?

Alternatives include "I barely considered" or "I didn't expect", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "I hardly thought" formal or informal?

"I hardly thought" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "I hardly thought" and "I never thought"?

"I hardly thought" suggests a low expectation or a lack of consideration, while "I never thought" indicates a complete absence of the thought.