My first thought was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "My first thought was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an initial reaction or idea that came to mind regarding a specific situation or topic. Example: "My first thought was that we should consider alternative solutions before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

My first thought was, Where?

The New Yorker

My first thought was of Lena.

The New York Times

My first thought was: why?

The Guardian

My first thought was: 'No.

The New York Times

My first thought was: Lohengrin".

The New York Times - Books

"My first thought was shock and disgust.

The Guardian

My first thought was about the animals.

The Guardian

My first thought was: It's about time.

The New York Times

"My first thought was supporting them.

The New York Times - Sports

My first thought was: Too heavy.

The New Yorker

My first thought was: These aren't even my short ones!

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow the phrase with a complete sentence that clearly articulates the thought or feeling. For instance, "My first thought was, 'This is going to be a long day.'"

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "My first thought was". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "My first thought was" functions as an introductory clause that sets the stage for expressing an initial reaction, idea, or consideration. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is commonly used to preface a statement of one's initial perception of a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "My first thought was" is a versatile phrase used to introduce initial reactions or thoughts. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, writers should avoid overuse. Alternatives like "Initially, I thought" can enhance writing style. This phrase effectively prefaces a personal perspective or interpretation, contributing to clear and engaging communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My initial reaction was

Replaces "thought" with "reaction", emphasizing the immediate response.

My immediate thought was

Adds emphasis on the speed of the thought process.

Initially, I thought

Reorders the sentence structure to emphasize the temporal aspect.

At first, I thought

Similar to "initially", but with a slightly more conversational tone.

My first impression was

Focuses on the initial perception or feeling about something.

I immediately considered

Shifts the focus to the act of considering something quickly.

The first thing that came to mind was

Emphasizes the spontaneity of the thought.

I initially believed

Replaces "thought" with "believed", implying a degree of conviction.

My gut reaction was

Indicates a spontaneous, instinctual response.

My first inclination was

Highlights an initial tendency or preference.

FAQs

How can I use "My first thought was" in a sentence?

Use "My first thought was" to introduce the initial idea or reaction you had upon encountering something. For example, "My first thought was that I should have brought an umbrella."

What's a more formal way to express "My first thought was"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "Initially, I considered..." or "My initial reaction was..." as alternatives to "My first thought was".

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when using "My first thought was"?

A common mistake is using it excessively, which can make your writing repetitive. Try to vary your sentence structure and use synonyms like "My initial reaction was" or "At first I thought".

What can I say instead of "My first thought was" to convey a similar meaning?

You can use alternatives like "My immediate thought was", "The first thing that came to mind was", or "Initially I thought" to express a similar idea.