at first I thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"at first I thought" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to express an initial opinion before new information or insight changed the speaker's thinking. For example, "At first I thought the issue was too difficult to solve, but after doing some research, I realized it wasn't as complex as I first imagined."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

At first, I thought this was expensive.

The New York Times

At first, I thought: Mom.

The New York Times

At first I thought, "Wow!

The New York Times

At first, I thought it was me.

The New York Times

"At first I thought they were kidding".

The New York Times - Food

At first I thought I should wait.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"At first I thought, I'll be fine".

The New York Times

"At first, I thought would become a journalist.

Unicef

At first I thought OMG!

The Guardian

At first, I thought it was a window breaking.

Independent

At first I thought it was my rusty Armenian.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at first I thought" to introduce a contrast between your initial perception and your current understanding. It adds depth and shows intellectual growth.

Common error

Avoid using "at first I thought" when expressing your current opinion. This phrase is specifically for contrasting a past thought with a present one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first I thought" serves as an introductory clause, setting up a contrast between a previous perception and a current understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard way to introduce a change in perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at first I thought" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a shift in perspective, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to contrast a past belief with a present understanding. To enhance writing, use this phrase to add depth to your narrative, showcasing intellectual growth. Avoid using it for current opinions, as its purpose is to highlight a change in thought. Alternatives like "initially, I believed" or "my initial thought was" can offer nuanced variations. Remember, mastering this phrase can significantly improve clarity and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially, I believed

Emphasizes the initial nature of the belief, similar to "at first I thought".

my initial thought was

Highlights the thought process and its initial state.

in the beginning, I assumed

Focuses on the assumption made at the start.

originally, I considered

Indicates a preliminary consideration that evolved.

at the outset, I presumed

Highlights the presumption made at the beginning.

I initially had the impression

Emphasizes the initial impression received.

I formerly imagined

Focuses on what was imagined in the past.

first off, I reckoned

Informal way to say that you calculated or estimated something.

I started by thinking

Highlights the starting point of one's thoughts.

to begin with, I had an idea

This alternative emphasizes the aspect of having an idea instead of a developed thought or belief.

FAQs

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

Use "at first I thought" to introduce a past belief or understanding that has since changed, providing context for your current perspective. For example, "At first I thought the task was impossible, but now I see a path forward."

What are some alternatives to "at first I thought"?

You can use alternatives like "initially I believed", "my initial thought was", or "in the beginning I assumed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "at first I think" instead of "at first I thought"?

No, it is not correct. "At first I thought" refers to a past thought, while "at first I think" implies you are currently forming a thought, which doesn't make sense in most contexts. If you want to express a current opinion, use "I think" or "initially, I think".

What's the difference between "at first I thought" and "I used to think"?

"At first I thought" highlights the contrast between an initial thought and a later understanding. "I used to think" simply states a past belief without necessarily implying a specific contrasting viewpoint. The first puts more emphasis on a change of mind than the latter.