I thought like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I thought like" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used in informal speech but lacks clarity and grammatical structure in writing. Example: "I thought like everyone else that the meeting would be canceled."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

'Yes, well, I thought like you about him.

The Guardian - Film

He looked, I thought, like an old prince masquerading as a homeless man.

The New Yorker

At the time, I thought, like most writers, that people would read my book and they would change.

The New Yorker

But I thought, like, who's going to know from a label anyway?" Nobody.

The New York Times

I can recall a time when I thought like this too.

The Guardian

He looked, I thought, like someone I'd want to have a drink with.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"I think like a writer," he said.

The New Yorker

I think like a lawyer.

The New York Times

"I think like a Greek!" Cucinelli told me.

The New Yorker

"I think like a shopper," she said.

The New York Times

But actually, I think I think like a bloke.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and grammatical precision, especially in formal writing, consider using more standard alternatives such as "I believed that" or "I assumed that" instead of "I thought like".

Common error

Avoid using "like" in place of "as" or "as if" when introducing a clause. Instead of saying "I thought like it was going to rain", use "I thought as if it was going to rain" or "I thought it was going to rain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I thought like" functions as a way to express a similarity in one's thinking process to someone or something else. It is often used informally to indicate that the speaker's thought process was akin to another person's or a common way of thinking as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I thought like" is used, mainly in spoken English and informal writing, it is generally considered grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it aims to convey a similarity in thought processes, but it is better to use clearer and more grammatically correct alternatives. As Ludwig examples show, "I believed that" or "I assumed that" provide greater precision and are more suitable for formal contexts. Considering its informal nature, reserve "I thought like" for casual settings, and prefer alternatives in formal writing to ensure clarity and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I believed likewise

Expresses a similar belief or conviction.

I saw it the same way

Implies an identical understanding or interpretation of a situation.

I presumed similarly

Indicates a similar assumption or expectation.

I had similar thoughts

Emphasizes the similarity in the resulting thoughts, differing from the process.

I felt the same

Conveys a similar emotional response or sentiment.

I reasoned similarly

Focuses on the reasoning process being alike, rather than the thought itself.

My thinking aligned with

Highlights an alignment or agreement in thought patterns.

I concurred in my thoughts

Signifies an agreement or alignment in internal thinking.

I shared that perspective

Indicates a shared viewpoint or outlook on a particular subject.

I maintained a parallel viewpoint

Suggests holding a similar yet independent view.

FAQs

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "I thought like"?

Alternatives include "I believed that", "I assumed that", or "I reasoned similarly", depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. Each offers greater grammatical clarity.

How can I use "I thought like" in a sentence correctly?

While "I thought like" is often considered incorrect in formal writing, it sometimes appears in informal speech to express a similarity in reasoning or perspective. However, it is preferable to use more precise alternatives such as "I believed that" or "I assumed".

What's the difference between "I thought like" and "I thought that"?

"I thought that" introduces a clause stating what you believed or considered to be true. "I thought like" is less standard and aims to express a similarity in the manner of thinking, but it's better replaced with something more precise.

Is it acceptable to use "I thought like" in formal writing?

Generally, no. In formal writing, it's best to opt for clearer and more grammatically accepted phrases like "I believed", "I assumed", or "I reasoned". These provide more precise and professional communication.