hitherto thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hitherto thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that was previously believed or considered up until the present time. Example: "The theory was hitherto thought to be accurate, but new evidence has emerged that challenges its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The results are surprising, since midget cells (which constitute the vast majority of retinal ganglion cells in primates) were hitherto thought to operate mostly linearly, whereas here they are described as being fundamentally nonlinear.

eLife

Its significance is that it shows Neanderthals were capable of abstract thought and creativity of a type hitherto thought to be unique to modern humans.

The Economist

Extraordinary, really, that no one has hitherto thought to integrate the worlds of footwear and books.

The Guardian - Books

Political parties hitherto thought of as 'nasty' or 'racist' can no longer be considered so".

The Guardian

It became clear after the Gulf war that the WMD ambitions of Iraq were far more extensive than hitherto thought.

The Guardian

The results suggest that landslides on low-gradient, soil-mantled hills are a more important contributor to landscape evolution of hilly areas than was hitherto thought.

Quaternary Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Hitherto, the thought of voting Tory might have crossed some voters' minds but would not have survived polite conversation, let alone action at the ballot box.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thus, the present study highlights how documenting regions of high amino acid divergence can reveal hitherto un-thought-of roles for particular genes.

Plosone

Medical students may be more open to leadership and management education than thought hitherto.

BMJ Open

24 Our study suggests medical students may be more open and accepting of the role of leadership and management education in medical education than thought hitherto.

BMJ Open

But how many others arrive, like the young Tariq Ali, relishing hitherto unimagined freedom of thought and belief?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hitherto thought" to introduce a contrast between a past belief and a present understanding, adding a sense of historical perspective to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hitherto thought" in informal contexts. It is more appropriate for academic papers, formal reports, or historical analyses, and it can sound unnatural or pretentious in casual conversation or less formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hitherto thought" functions as an adverbial modifier that qualifies a verb or a clause, indicating that something was previously believed or understood in a certain way but is now known to be different. Ludwig AI provides examples of its use in academic and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hitherto thought" is a phrase used to highlight a contrast between a past belief and a current understanding, with a formal tone suited for academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse sources. While frequently used, remember it is a formal expression, so it might not fit well in informal settings. Consider using alternatives like "previously believed" or "formerly considered" for similar meanings. When incorporating "hitherto thought" in your writing, ensure that the context warrants its formal and somewhat elevated register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously believed

Focuses on the change in belief, rather than explicitly stating the previous assumption.

formerly considered

Highlights the change in consideration or opinion.

once assumed

Emphasizes the past assumption that is no longer valid.

earlier presumed

Highlights the previous presumption, now known to be different.

what was once thought

More explicit about the change in perception.

until now believed

Specifies that the belief was held until the present moment.

previously understood

Focuses on the change in comprehension or knowledge.

what people used to think

More informal and general way of expressing the shift in opinion.

as was formerly believed

A more verbose and formal way to indicate a prior belief.

what had been thought before

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the previous thought or belief.

FAQs

How can I use "hitherto thought" in a sentence?

Use "hitherto thought" to introduce a contrast between a past belief and the current understanding. For example: "The process was "hitherto thought" to be simple, but new research reveals its complexity."

What's the difference between "previously believed" and "hitherto thought"?

"Hitherto thought" is more formal and emphasizes a shift in understanding over time, while "previously believed" is a more general term for past beliefs.

Are there any synonyms for "hitherto thought"?

Yes, alternatives include "formerly considered", "once assumed", or "earlier presumed", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "hitherto thought" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "hitherto thought" is well-suited for academic writing, especially when discussing the evolution of theories, concepts, or understandings within a field.