I still thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"I still thought" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when expressing that you continued to think about something in the past while other events were happening. For example: "I still thought of you during my trip, even though we hadn't talked for months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Arts

Opinion

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I still thought prices were unreasonably high".

The New York Times

I still thought you were sharp.

The New York Times

I still thought it was my band".

The New York Times

"I still thought it's a joke.

The New York Times

I still thought he could help me".

The Guardian - Sport

I still thought I was a bigshot".

The Guardian - Music

"But I still thought he was cute.

The New York Times - Style

I still thought of myself as a jazz musician then.

The New York Times - Arts

"But I still thought she was pretty spectacular".

The New York Times

"I still thought I had nothing to fear.

The Guardian

"I still thought that wasn't going to beat me.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I still thought", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you previously believed and how the current situation contrasts with that belief.

Common error

Don't overuse "I still thought" when a simpler expression of your current thought process would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive or imply unnecessary surprise.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I still thought" is to express a past belief or opinion that persisted despite new information or changing circumstances. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various narrative and reflective contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Opinion

8%

Arts

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I still thought" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a past belief or opinion that was maintained despite changing circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is primarily used in news and media contexts, as well as in sports and academic writing. While generally neutral in register, the formality can vary depending on the surrounding text. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding the previous belief and the contrasting situation. Consider alternatives like "I continued to believe" or "I remained convinced" for nuanced expression. The phrase serves to highlight a sense of surprise, contradiction, or continued conviction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I continued to believe

Focuses on the continuation of a belief, emphasizing the action of believing.

I remained convinced

Emphasizes the strength of the conviction that was held.

I hadn't changed my mind

Emphasizes the lack of change in one's thinking.

I maintained my opinion

Highlights the persistence of a previously formed opinion.

I persisted in thinking

Highlights the act of continually thinking something, despite evidence to the contrary.

I was still of the opinion

A more formal way to express a continuing opinion.

It was still my belief

Shifts the emphasis to the belief itself, rather than the act of thinking.

My initial thought was

Highlights the initial nature of the thought, even if it later changed.

I continued to have the impression

Highlights a sustained impression, which may be less concrete than a belief.

I had always assumed

Focuses on a long-held assumption, implying a lack of questioning.

FAQs

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

Use "I still thought" to convey that you maintained a particular belief or opinion even as circumstances changed. For example, "The weather was terrible, but "I still thought" we could salvage the picnic".

What are some alternatives to "I still thought"?

Alternatives include "I continued to believe", "I remained convinced", or "I maintained my opinion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I still thought" formal or informal?

"I still thought" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in highly academic or professional writing.

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

"I still think" expresses a current belief, while "I still thought" refers to a belief held in the past. For instance, "I still think that movie is great" expresses a current opinion, whereas ""I still thought" he was honest, even after the rumors started" indicates a past belief.