I thought that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I thought that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that you were considering something or considering the possibility of something. For example, "I thought that maybe I should call him before I went to bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I thought that was crazy.

The New Yorker

"I thought that was life".

The New York Times

I thought that was terrible.

The New York Times - Sports

"I thought that was bullshit.

The New Yorker

I thought that was interesting.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I thought that was weird.

The New York Times - Food

I thought that was wrong".

The New York Times - Sports

"I thought that was fantastic".

The New York Times

I thought: "That guy's smart.

The New York Times - Arts

I thought that was obvious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I thought that was astounding".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "I thought that" with a qualifier (e.g., "at the time", "initially") to show how your perspective has evolved.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "I thought that". Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "It seemed to me" or "In my opinion" to maintain reader engagement and convey ideas with more precision.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "I thought that" is to introduce a statement expressing a past belief, opinion, or understanding. It indicates a personal perspective that was held at some point in the past. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I thought that" is a versatile phrase used to express a past belief or opinion, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing. To enhance writing clarity, avoid overusing this phrase consecutively and consider using qualifiers to indicate shifts in perspective. As Ludwig demonstrates, "I thought that" serves as a fundamental tool for sharing personal reflections and providing context in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I believed that

Emphasizes a stronger sense of conviction or trust in the idea being expressed.

I considered that

Highlights the act of contemplation or deliberation before forming an opinion.

It seemed to me that

Introduces a subjective perception or impression of a situation.

In my opinion

Directly states a personal viewpoint or assessment.

As far as I was concerned

Indicates a personal perspective and relevance to the speaker's experience.

I had the impression that

Focuses on the feeling or sense derived from a situation.

I came to believe that

Highlights the process of forming a belief over time.

My understanding was that

Indicates a comprehension or interpretation of a situation based on information.

It struck me that

Emphasizes a sudden realization or awareness.

I gathered that

Suggests an inference or conclusion drawn from available information.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "I believed that", "I considered that", or "in my opinion" depending on the context.

How do I use "I thought that" effectively in a sentence?

Use "I thought that" to introduce a past belief or opinion, and clarify whether you still hold that view. For instance, "I thought that the movie was great, but now I have changed my mind".

Is it appropriate to use "I thought that" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "I thought that" can make your writing seem less formal. In formal contexts, consider using more objective phrasing or varying your sentence structure.

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

"I thought that" refers to a past belief or opinion, whereas "I think that" expresses a current belief or opinion. Use "I thought that" when discussing something you no longer believe or something from the past.