I really thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I really thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a feeling of surprise or disbelief. For example: "I really thought John was going to win the race, but he ended up coming in third!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I really thought she was about 55.

The New York Times

I really thought hard about this.

The New Yorker

I really thought that drinking here would.

The New Yorker

"I really thought it was funny.

The New York Times

I really thought we had something.

The New Yorker

"I really thought long and hard.

The New York Times

I really thought they had both died".

Independent

"I really thought we were done".

The New Yorker

"I really thought I was wrong".

The New York Times

I really thought I had not dined".

The New York Times

I really thought I had screwed up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I really thought" to express a contrast between a prior expectation and a current reality. It is useful for highlighting surprises or unexpected outcomes.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, consider using more precise language to convey your shift in understanding. Phrases like "Initially, I believed..." or "It was previously assumed..." can offer a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "I really thought" is to express a past belief or expectation. It typically introduces a clause that explains what the speaker believed to be true at a previous time, often implying a contrast with current knowledge or reality. Ludwig provides many examples of its usage in this way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I really thought" is a versatile phrase used to express a past belief, often one that has been proven wrong or has changed. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and suitable for a range of contexts, though potentially less fitting in strictly formal academic writing. Its frequency across diverse sources like news outlets, academic papers, and general media positions it as a common expression for conveying surprise or altered understanding. While there are more formal alternatives, "I really thought" strikes a balance between clarity and emotional expressiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I sincerely thought

Expresses a more formal and emphatic version of the original thought.

I honestly believed

Highlights the speaker's truthfulness and conviction in their past belief.

I genuinely believed

Stresses the authenticity and sincerity of the past belief.

I truly believed

Emphasizes the depth and strength of the past belief.

I firmly believed

Indicates a strong and unwavering past belief.

I was under the impression

Suggests that the belief was based on incomplete or misleading information.

I had assumed

Implies a less certain or informed belief.

I had imagined

Suggests a belief based on imagination or speculation.

I was of the opinion

Indicates a personal judgment or viewpoint.

I had always thought

Highlights that the belief was held for a long period.

FAQs

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

You can use "I really thought" to express a prior belief or expectation that turned out to be incorrect or different from the current reality. For example, "I really thought I would get the job, but they chose someone else."

What's a more formal alternative to "I really thought"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "I sincerely thought", "I had assumed", or "I was under the impression" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is "I really thought" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "I really thought" might be perceived as informal in strict academic writing. Consider using more precise and less colloquial alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "I thought" and "I really thought"?

Adding "really" to "I thought" emphasizes the strength of your previous belief or the degree of surprise you felt upon discovering that your belief was incorrect. It adds emotional emphasis to the statement.