having thought that

USAGE SUMMARY

"having thought that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that the speaker or writer believes something to be true based on their thought process before considering other evidence. For example: "Having thought that the problem was with the engine, we were surprised to learn that it was actually with the wiring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Having thought that Trigger ended with "unfinished business", scenarist Masato Kato wrote and directed the game.

Wikipedia

Having thought that the membership of voluntary organisations was fast dwindling, Hemming was pleased to discover that the last decade saw new members charging into community halls and rooms above pubs.

Independent

"Whether he's crossed some line that had, to some degree, restrained previous politicians and it turns out it wasn't a real line anyway and they all are kind of fools for having thought that facts actually matter — I think you could make a case for that," she said.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Who'd have thought that would happen?

The New York Times - Arts

Who else would have thought that way?

The New York Times - Sports

They shouldn't have thought that way.

The New York Times - Sports

He had thought that was normal, actually".

The Guardian

I'd have thought that would have won.

The Guardian - Sport

We sort of think we've thought that problem through.

MIT Technology Review

I'd have thought that was just automatic.

BBC

I had thought that was a pretty solid chance.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having thought that" to clearly indicate a shift in understanding or a realization that contradicts a previous belief. This emphasizes the evolution of your thought process and adds nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "having thought that" when describing your current beliefs. This phrase indicates a past belief that has since changed or been proven incorrect. Instead, use phrases like "I think that" or "I believe that" to express present convictions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having thought that" functions as an introductory participial phrase. It modifies the main clause by providing context about a prior belief or assumption that influences the subsequent statement. As Ludwig showcases, this phrase is used to introduce a perspective that has shifted or been superseded.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having thought that" is a grammatically sound participial phrase used to introduce a past belief that contrasts with a current understanding. Ludwig shows that it is most commonly found in News & Media contexts and signals a shift in perspective or a correction of a prior assumption. Although not overly common, using this phrase correctly adds clarity and nuance to your writing, highlighting the evolution of your thought process. Remember to avoid using it when expressing current beliefs, as it specifically refers to superseded ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after believing that

Emphasizes the temporal sequence of belief preceding a realization or action.

on the assumption that

Highlights the foundational assumption upon which a conclusion or action is based.

thinking that beforehand

Focuses on the timing of the thought process, implying a prior consideration.

previously considering that

Stresses the act of considering something before a certain point.

with the understanding that

Highlights a shared agreement or comprehension about something.

initially assuming that

Specifies that the assumption was held at the beginning.

predisposed to think that

Indicates a tendency or inclination to think in a certain way.

having surmised that

Suggests a conclusion drawn from incomplete evidence.

after having the idea that

Emphasizes the process of formulating the initial idea.

based on the premise that

Highlights the logical foundation or starting point of an argument.

FAQs

How can I use "having thought that" in a sentence?

Use "having thought that" to introduce a past belief that you no longer hold or that has been proven incorrect. For example, "Having thought that the meeting was canceled, I almost didn't show up".

What are some alternatives to "having thought that"?

Consider using phrases like "on the assumption that", "previously considering that", or "after believing that" to convey a similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "having thought that"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "having thought that" is grammatically correct. It creates a participial phrase that modifies the main clause and indicates a prior thought or belief.

What's the difference between "having thought that" and "thinking that"?

"Having thought that" implies a past belief that is now different or known to be incorrect. "Thinking that", on the other hand, can refer to a present belief or a general thought process without necessarily implying a change in perspective.