I originally thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"I originally thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce an idea or opinion that was held at some point in the past. For example, "I originally thought the project would take a month to complete, but it actually only took two weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I originally thought it was someone going on vacation".

The New York Times

It turns out, more than I originally thought.

University of California, Berkeley

"I originally thought I'd grow up to be a woman.

The Guardian - Music

I originally thought of coming to the US.

The Guardian

"And it's importance was even greater than I originally thought.

The Guardian

I originally thought the concussion was the worst of it.

The New York Times - Sports

"I originally thought it would take 20 years, not 35 or 40," Mr. LeFrak, 66, said.

The New York Times

MR CLEGG: It's genuinely what I originally thought was going to happen.

The Economist

"I originally thought Samui was like a small Scottish island: naive, even innocent, and friendly.

The Guardian - Travel

I originally thought it an easy, fun way to keep up with friends.

The Guardian - Music

I learned that I was a lot tougher than I originally thought.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I originally thought", be sure to clearly state what your current understanding is so that the contrast is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "I originally thought" without providing a clear explanation of your current perspective. Failing to clarify can leave your audience wondering how your views have changed, weakening the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I originally thought" serves as an introductory clause to express a past belief or assumption. It functions to set up a contrast between what was previously believed and what is currently understood. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I originally thought" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a past belief that has since changed. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and very common in both formal and informal settings. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Academia", this phrase effectively sets up a contrast, adding depth to your statements. To maximize clarity, always follow with your current understanding or perspective. While alternatives like "I initially believed" exist, "I originally thought" remains a straightforward and widely accepted way to express a shift in viewpoint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I initially believed

Replaces 'thought' with 'believed', emphasizing the initial conviction.

At first, I assumed

Uses 'assumed' instead of 'thought', implying a supposition made without concrete evidence.

My initial impression was

Replaces the phrase with a more formal and descriptive alternative, focusing on the initial feeling or perception.

I had previously imagined

Emphasizes the imaginative aspect of the initial thought, using 'imagined' instead of 'thought'.

I formerly considered

Replaces the verb with "considered", suggesting a more deliberate initial assessment.

I once presumed

Uses "presumed", which implies taking something for granted initially.

In the beginning, I conceived

A more elaborate way of expressing the initial understanding or idea.

Earlier, I had the idea

Replaces the phrase with a more descriptive alternative, indicating a prior notion.

I started out thinking

Replaces the phrase with an alternative emphasizing the beginning of a thought process.

Originally, it seemed to me

Shifts the focus to the appearance of something at first glance, rather than a specific thought.

FAQs

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

Use "I originally thought" to introduce a belief you held previously, often contrasting it with your current understanding. For example, "I originally thought the project would be simple, but it turned out to be quite complex."

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

You can use alternatives such as "I initially believed", "at first I assumed", or "my initial impression was" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I originally thought" or "I had originally thought"?

Both "I originally thought" and "I had originally thought" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different nuances. "I originally thought" is simpler and more direct, while "I had originally thought" emphasizes that the thinking occurred further in the past before a specific event or realization.

What's the difference between "I originally thought" and "I now think"?

"I originally thought" introduces a past belief, while "I now think" presents your current opinion. Using them together creates a clear contrast. For example, "I originally thought it would be easy, but "I now think" it's impossible."