as I first thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as I first thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that your initial belief or assumption has been confirmed or is still valid. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I can confidently say that my conclusion is accurate, as I first thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

They really did look fabulous, although maybe not so different as I first thought.

The New York Times - Magazine

The spiritual tributes on the fence and Elián's abandoned playthings in the yard were not meant to symbolize loss, as I first thought, but to hallow the Better Life in America.

The New York Times - Travel

5.34pm GMT Downing Street reaction The prime minister's statement that the UK would have wells up and running by the end of the year may not have been as fanciful as I first thought.

The Guardian

You would understand my shock, then, when I realised that I did not have as much freedom as I first thought – that it was becoming more and more limited because of a group of unelected political figures based in another country.

The Guardian

And there I am again, after a quick costume change, paddling with my nan – not, as I first thought, wriggling to get out of the shot, but leaning into her thighs, that grey-haired, unexpectedly tall lady whose face I hardly remember.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The control module that we've all been lambasting since the announcement is pretty horrendous, although it's not as chintzy as I first thought.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"As I first think about what I am going to need for the tests, I mean, I need this and that, the test makes me think before starting to write the code.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Three sites are ready to help, making it look as if I first thought of buying my daughter that perfect "E" item last month.

The New York Times - Tech

As a Midwesterner, of course I first think of the good that I could do using time travel — vaccinating indigenous people against Old World diseases, sticking my foot out by a cliff on a Völkswanderung with young Hitler.

The New Yorker

By Louise Erdrich As a Midwesterner, of course I first think of the good that I could do using time travel — vaccinating indigenous people against Old World diseases, sticking my foot out by a cliff on a Völkswanderung with young Hitler.

The New Yorker

One posting Friday on a Web log run by "Microsophist," who promises "an unfiltered and unfettered view of Microsoft from the inside," said of Mr. Ballmer's memo: "When I read the mail, I felt some relief (the situation wasn't as bad as I'd first thought) followed by disappointment as he's basically saying he doesn't want to do anything that might cross the religious right".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as I first thought" to introduce a realization that confirms or contrasts with your initial impression, adding depth to your narrative or argument.

Common error

Avoid using "as I first thought" when the shift in thought is trivial or doesn't add meaningful insight to your writing. Ensure it reflects a genuine change or validation of understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as I first thought" functions as an introductory clause or phrase that indicates a validation, revision, or reflection on an initial thought or impression. It sets the stage for a contrasting or confirming statement. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples across various domains, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as I first thought" is a useful tool for expressing how your initial understanding of something has evolved or been confirmed. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and shows its common usage across various contexts, from formal news articles to scientific research. While alternatives like "as I initially believed" or "as I originally thought" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you intend to convey. Remember to use this phrase when the shift in thought is relevant and adds depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as I initially believed

Focuses on the original belief or understanding.

as I originally thought

Highlights the original nature of the thought or idea.

as I had first imagined

Emphasizes the initial imagination or visualization.

as I had initially expected

Stresses the original expectation or anticipation.

as I had first conceived

Highlights the initial conception or formulation of an idea.

contrary to my initial thought

Introduces a direct contrast to the initial thought.

different from what I initially thought

Emphasizes the difference from the original thought.

not quite as I first thought

Introduces a degree of nuance or qualification to the initial thought.

upon further consideration

Indicates a change in perspective after more thought.

on closer inspection

Suggests a revised understanding based on closer examination.

FAQs

How can I use "as I first thought" in a sentence?

You can use "as I first thought" to express that your initial impression or idea has either been validated or proven inaccurate after further consideration. For example, "The project seemed daunting at first, but it turned out to be manageable, "as I first thought"".

What phrases are similar to "as I first thought"?

Similar phrases include "as I initially believed", "as I originally thought", or "as I had first imagined". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "as I first thought" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "as I first thought" when you want to highlight a shift in your understanding or confirm an initial assessment after gaining new information or experience. It works well to show a process of learning or validation.

Is "as I first thought" formal or informal language?

The phrase "as I first thought" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal writing, although more formal alternatives like "as I initially surmised" might be preferable in highly formal contexts.