I seriously thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I seriously thought" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express that one had a serious opinion about something, and is usually followed by an idea that the speaker does not now believe. Example: I seriously thought that I could never learn a foreign language, but now I'm trying to learn Spanish.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The album's kicker "I Thought About Killing You" details suicidal thoughts: "Today I seriously thought about killing you / I contemplated, premeditated murder/ And I think about killing myself, and I love myself way more than I love you, so…," he says.

Vice

I seriously thought we were going to win.

The New Yorker

I seriously thought they were pulling my leg.

The Guardian - Film

I seriously thought I could change that guy – surely he just was misunderstood?

The Guardian

For a little while I seriously thought I was going to be fine.

The New Yorker

"I seriously thought we were going to die of exhaustion," he said.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"I seriously think that would be beneficial".

The New York Times - Arts

I seriously think they don't even register.

The Guardian - Travel

I seriously think this building should be done away with.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I seriously think I can do anything," she said with a slightly embarrassed laugh, "and that's not meant to sound arrogant at all".

The New York Times

The Oakes filmed a stunned Naomi being told they believed Swift had contacted her personally, who could only respond: "I seriously think I'm gonna pass out right now".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I seriously thought" to express a past belief or expectation that has since changed or proven to be incorrect. This can add a layer of introspection or surprise to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I seriously thought" if you still hold the same belief. This phrase implies a change in perspective. Instead, use "I seriously think" if you still believe it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I seriously thought" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past belief or assumption held by the speaker. It often sets up a contrast with the current reality or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I seriously thought" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a past belief or expectation that has since changed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used across various contexts, especially in news and media, and conveys a sense of shifting perspective. When using this phrase, ensure that you are indeed referring to a belief you no longer hold. Consider alternatives like "I genuinely believed" or "I was under the impression" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I genuinely believed

Replaces "seriously thought" with "genuinely believed", emphasizing sincerity.

I was under the impression

Indicates a prior understanding or belief that has since changed.

I had the firm conviction

Suggests a strong, previously held belief.

I mistakenly assumed

Highlights an incorrect assumption made in the past.

I confidently expected

Emphasizes a prior expectation held with confidence.

I had always imagined

Focuses on a long-held mental image or belief.

I preconceived

Highlights a pre-existing idea. It's often used in formal contexts.

I previously supposed

Indicates a former supposition that may no longer be valid.

I once presumed

Highlights the assumption made at a specific point in time. It's often used in formal contexts.

I reckoned

Replaces "thought" with a more informal term, "reckoned".

FAQs

What does "I seriously thought" mean?

The phrase "I seriously thought" expresses a past belief or expectation that is no longer held or has proven to be incorrect. It indicates a shift in perspective.

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

You can use it to introduce a past belief, followed by an explanation of why that belief is no longer valid. For example, "I seriously thought /s/I+would+never learn to play the guitar, but now I'm in a band".

What are some alternatives to "I seriously thought"?

You can use alternatives like "I genuinely believed", "I was under the impression", or "I mistakenly assumed" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I seriously thought"?

Yes, "I seriously thought" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a past belief that has changed.