I previously thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"I previously thought" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe a belief or opinion that the speaker had in the past but has since changed or reconsidered. Example: "I previously thought that studying abroad would be too expensive, but after researching scholarships and financial aid, I realized it was a viable option for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Upon reflection, the analogy turns out to be even better than I previously thought.

The New York Times

He concluded: "I don't believe my father to be any less heroic than I previously thought, any less valiant than the other papers previously misreported on".

The New York Times

We also talked about my transferable skills, and I realised that I have more valuable experience than I previously thought, which has boosted my confidence at work.

The Guardian

A man I previously thought intelligent told me this week with a straight face that he never bought anything because of advertising.

Independent

"It was very helpful in knowing what people want to hear about: things that I wouldn't necessarily include in a five-minute pitch, but that are higher in priority than I previously thought," she said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Dexter has yet to invent a recipe worth writing down, but at his side I have begun to see that thoroughly screwing up in the kitchen is a lot harder than I previously thought.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

I had to re-examine everything I had previously thought and at times thought I knew with certainty to be true.

Huffington Post

I wondered if I was in way over my head, and if I was far more tame than I had previously thought.

Vice

When it arrived, I discovered that the shade I had previously thought shocking was more of a very apt nursing-home pink, lacking only the usual accompaniments of high-backed armchair and reruns of Murder She Wrote.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Amazing conversation – and I decided I liked my career a little better than I had previously thought.

Princeton University

I had previously thought about doing a nursing diploma but I decided I wanted to do social work and needed to go to university for that.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I previously thought" to clearly indicate a shift in your understanding or perspective. This helps to show intellectual growth and adaptability in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I previously thought" as a simple introduction without a clear connection to your current point. Ensure there's a logical flow from your past belief to your present understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I previously thought" functions as a sentence opener or introductory clause. It sets the stage to introduce a past belief, opinion, or understanding that has since changed, often followed by an explanation or contrasting statement. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in expressing a change in perspective.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I previously thought" is a commonly used phrase that indicates a change in perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Related phrases like "I used to think" and "I once believed" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure a clear connection between your past belief and present understanding to add depth and credibility to your writing. "I previously thought" is a phrase used to convey a transformation in one's perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I used to think

Emphasizes the past belief without necessarily implying a strong change in perspective.

In the past, I had thought

A more descriptive and slightly more formal variation indicating a past belief.

I once believed

Highlights a former conviction with a sense of reflection.

I formerly believed

A more formal way of saying "I used to believe", implying a significant change in understanding.

My initial impression was

Focuses on the first encounter or judgment, suggesting a later adjustment.

At first, I assumed

Highlights an early assumption that has since been corrected.

My earlier view was

Directly refers to a prior viewpoint, often in a context of presenting a revised opinion.

I had always imagined

Implies a preconceived notion or mental image that differed from reality.

Originally, I considered

Specifically indicates an initial consideration that changed over time.

Before, I was under the impression

Expresses a previous understanding, highlighting that it was incomplete or incorrect.

FAQs

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

Use "I previously thought" to introduce a past belief that you no longer hold, typically followed by an explanation of why your perspective has changed. For example, "I previously thought that online courses were inferior to in-person classes, but now I appreciate their flexibility and accessibility".

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

You can use alternatives like "I used to think", "I once believed", or "At first I assumed" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "I previously thought" and "I used to think"?

"I previously thought" is slightly more formal and often implies a more significant shift in understanding compared to "I used to think", which can be used for more casual or less impactful changes in perspective.

Is it correct to use "I previously thought" in academic writing?

Yes, using "I previously thought" is perfectly acceptable in academic writing to show how your understanding of a topic has evolved through research or analysis. It demonstrates critical thinking and intellectual honesty.