I thought not

USAGE SUMMARY

"I thought not" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to contradict a statement or express disbelief. For example, "Are you going to the movies tonight? I thought not."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"No, I thought not.

The New Yorker

I thought not.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Initially I thought not.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I thought, 'Not again.' ".

The New York Times

"I thought, Not another shooting!

The New Yorker

No, I thought not either.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the time I thought not.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I was looking at Jim and he had the same face he did after I boxed Groves and I thought 'not again', but when they announced it, it was the best feeling in the world," admitted DeGale.

Independent

"I thought, 'not only is he going to get this role, he's the only person who can do it'".

BBC

"When I heard that, I thought, 'not in Mulberry!'" said Suzanne Carter-Moore.

Huffington Post

"Given the amount of money it was going to cost the state treasury, I thought ― not just myself ― I thought all Minnesotans were entitled to answers and assurances," he said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone when using "I thought not". While grammatically sound, it can sound slightly archaic or formal depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "I thought not" excessively in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "I didn't think so" or "I didn't expect that" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I thought not" functions as an elliptical clause expressing disagreement, disbelief, or confirmation of a negative expectation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I thought not" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express disagreement, disbelief, or confirmation of a negative expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While less common than alternatives like "I didn't think so", it offers a subtle way to convey skepticism, particularly in neutral or slightly formal contexts. It's crucial to consider the tone and audience, avoiding overuse in casual settings where simpler expressions may be more appropriate. The phrase is often found in news and media sources, indicating its place in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I didn't think so

A more direct and common way to express disagreement or confirmation of a negative expectation.

That's not what I expected

A more conversational way to express surprise or disappointment.

I didn't anticipate that

Focuses on the lack of foresight or planning for the actual outcome.

I believed otherwise

Suggests a previously held belief that has been proven wrong or is now being questioned.

I assumed the opposite

Highlights the difference between the actual outcome and the initial assumption.

I had different expectations

Focuses on the disappointment or surprise resulting from unmet expectations.

I was under the impression that wasn't the case

A more formal and polite way to express a previous misunderstanding.

I had no such thought

Emphasizes a complete lack of consideration for the idea or suggestion.

I never considered that

Highlights a lack of prior awareness or contemplation of the idea.

I envisioned something else

Suggests a different mental image or expectation of the situation.

FAQs

How can "I thought not" be used in a sentence?

"I thought not" is used to express a prior expectation or belief that has been confirmed or to indicate disagreement. For example, "Were you expecting a promotion? I thought not."

What's a more common alternative to "I thought not"?

A more common alternative is "I didn't think so", which conveys a similar meaning but in a less formal tone.

Is "I think not" grammatically correct as an alternative to "I thought not"?

"I think not" is grammatically correct and expresses a current opinion or disagreement, while "I thought not" implies a past expectation or belief. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

How does the formality of "I thought not" compare to "I don't think so"?

"I thought not" is generally considered more formal than "I don't think so", which is a common and informal expression of disagreement or doubt.