I sort of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I sort of thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a vague or uncertain belief or assumption about something. Example: "I sort of thought we were meeting at 3 PM, but I might be mistaken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"I sort of thought you would be courting Me".

The New Yorker

I sort of thought I'd become inured to treasured places closing in New York.

The New Yorker

I sort of thought two 65s would have a chance, to 10 under par.

The Guardian - Sport

"I sort of thought, Oh, she's crazy — and she is on some level crazy," Nyad's friend Karen Sauvigne told me.

The New Yorker

"Somebody asked me recently and I'd said I wouldn't, and then I sort of thought about it," Mr. Bloomberg said.

The New York Times

I sort of thought I was a bit of a joke, I didn't really deserve what success I've had".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Is that so? (Category 3) P Yes, I guess I have sort of thought about that.

BMC Psychiatry

"I just sort of thought, you know, I have a brother there, a sister there, an uncle there - oh - and a wife here," he says.

BBC

I mean, there's what the writers think and what I've sort of thought, and in my mind.

Wikipedia

So I just sort of thought that was an interesting kind of little fact and I just sort of thought that could make it into the film and see how people felt about it.

Huffington Post

"I still sort of thought Graham could get us through this or help get us through this.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and your audience when using this phrase. While acceptable in most informal and neutral settings, it may be too vague for formal or professional communication where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "I sort of thought" in formal writing or presentations. Replace it with more precise alternatives like "I assumed", "I believed", or "I was under the impression" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I sort of thought" functions as a hedge or qualifier, softening the assertion of a belief or expectation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, indicating it expresses an idea held with some uncertainty, adding nuance to statements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I sort of thought" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a belief or assumption with a degree of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly found in neutral to informal contexts, particularly in news and media. While acceptable, it's best to consider more formal alternatives like "I assumed" or "I believed" in professional or academic settings to ensure clarity and precision. Remember to use it when you want to soften a statement or express a tentative idea without fully committing to its accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was under the impression

Indicates a belief derived from what one has been led to understand.

I somewhat assumed

Highlights a degree of expectation without strong conviction.

I half expected

Implies a moderate level of anticipation.

I rather presumed

Implies a conclusion based on likelihood but lacking solid evidence.

I tentatively believed

Expresses belief, but with hesitation or uncertainty.

I was inclined to think

Expresses a leaning toward a particular belief.

I vaguely imagined

Emphasizes a less defined or clear mental picture.

I suspected

Suggests a belief that something might be the case based on limited evidence.

I had a feeling

Suggests an intuitive sense about something.

I gathered

Conveys an understanding inferred from information or circumstances.

FAQs

What does "I sort of thought" mean?

The phrase "I sort of thought" indicates a belief or assumption held with a degree of uncertainty. It suggests that you weren't entirely sure, but you had a general idea or feeling about something.

How can I use "I sort of thought" in a sentence?

You can use "I sort of thought" to introduce an idea or expectation that you held, but which might not have been entirely accurate. For example, "I sort of thought the meeting was at 2 PM, but it seems I was mistaken."

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

You can use alternatives like "I assumed", "I believed", or "I was under the impression" to express a similar sentiment with varying degrees of formality.

Is it correct to say "I sort of think" instead of "I sort of thought"?

While both are grammatically correct, "I sort of think" expresses a current, ongoing thought, whereas "I sort of thought" refers to a past belief or assumption. Use "I sort of think" when expressing a current opinion with uncertainty.