I thought myself

USAGE SUMMARY

"I thought myself" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you're reflecting on what you thought about a certain situation. For example: "I thought myself foolish for not bringing my umbrella when it started to rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

I thought I was safe, I thought myself impervious to their cruelty.

The New York Times

"I thought, myself, it was going to hit the wall," Amezaga said.

The New York Times

None of the guards questioned me, and I thought myself secretly matured.

The New York Times

"I wasn't that desperate for sex," he said, "I thought myself too young.

The New York Times

I thought myself a right proper youth when I saw the dear reflection of my own well-known features.

Columbia University

Of course I thought myself deserving, but justice is no more than the dice rolling in your favour.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

In some ways I think myself lucky.

The Guardian - Opinion

Beth, especially, but I think myself as well.

Cornell University

But I think myself with Jenson, we are a very good team".

BBC

Can I think myself thin?

Huffington Post

I thought to myself, Seriously?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "I thought myself" when reflecting on a past state of mind or perception of oneself, particularly when emphasizing a contrast between that past perception and the current understanding. For example: "At that time, I thought myself invincible, but now I realize my limitations."

Common error

Avoid using "I thought myself" when a simple "I thought" will suffice. The reflexive construction is most effective when emphasizing self-perception or a specific quality attributed to oneself, not just general thoughts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I thought myself" functions as a reflective expression, indicating a past belief or perception held by the speaker about themselves. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as correct, supported by various examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I thought myself" is a grammatically sound phrase used to reflect on past self-perceptions. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, showcasing its use across diverse sources. While not exceedingly common, it effectively communicates a contrast between past and present understanding. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize a change in your self-image or a past assessment of your capabilities, avoiding overuse in contexts where a simpler "I thought" would suffice. Its presence in news, academia, and science suggests a neutral to slightly formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I considered myself

Focuses on judgment or evaluation, rather than initial thought.

I regarded myself as

Emphasizes the manner in which one viewed themselves.

I saw myself as

Highlights perception and self-image.

I deemed myself

Implies a formal or serious assessment.

I conceived of myself as

Focuses on the mental construction of one's identity.

I imagined myself

Suggests a visualization or hypothetical scenario.

I believed I was

Replaces the reflexive pronoun with a more direct statement of belief.

I had thought of myself

Adds a sense of past reflection and consideration.

I once thought I was

Expresses a past belief that may no longer be held.

It was my understanding of myself

Focuses on a personal interpretation of the self.

FAQs

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

Use "I thought myself" to reflect on a past belief or perception you held about yourself. For example, "I thought myself quite clever at the time, but now I see my mistake."

Is "I thought myself" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I thought myself" is grammatically correct, though it might sound somewhat formal or literary to modern ears. It is used to express a past self-perception or belief about oneself.

What are some alternatives to "I thought myself"?

You can use alternatives like "I considered myself", "I regarded myself as", or "I believed I was" depending on the context.

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

"I thought" expresses a general thought, while "I thought myself" specifically refers to a belief or perception about oneself. For example, "I thought it would rain" vs. "I thought myself capable of anything".