i always thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I always thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express something that you have believed for a long time. For example: "I always thought that honesty is the best policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I always thought that.

The New York Times - Sports

"I always thought D.P.S.

The New York Times

I always thought, 'Whatever'".

The Guardian - Film

'I always thought it was her mother.

The New Yorker

"I always thought cricket was something different".

The New York Times - Sports

"I always thought positive," she said.

The New York Times

"I always thought she was sly.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I always thought that was a cliché.

Stanford University

I always thought simulations meant stochastic simulations.

Cornell University

I always thought it was about security.

Independent

I always thought there was a shot".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i always thought" to introduce a personal reflection on a past belief, setting the stage for a contrast with current understanding or reality.

Common error

Avoid using "i always thought" to express a current belief; instead, use "i think" or "i believe" to accurately reflect your present perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i always thought" functions as an introductory clause to express a past belief, assumption, or opinion. Ludwig examples showcase this in diverse contexts, reflecting personal reflections on past understandings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i always thought" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a past belief or assumption, often setting up a contrast with present understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the tense and ensure it accurately reflects a past perspective. If you want to express a current belief, it's more suitable to use alternatives like "i think" or "i believe".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i had always believed

Expresses a past belief with a slight emphasis on the duration of the belief.

i used to think

Indicates a past belief that may no longer be held.

i had assumed

Conveys a past assumption, often implying that the assumption was incorrect.

i was under the impression

Highlights that the belief was based on an impression or understanding.

it was my understanding

Emphasizes that the belief was based on a specific understanding of something.

i was of the opinion

Expresses a past opinion or viewpoint.

i had always considered

Indicates a long-held consideration or perspective.

i once believed

Highlights that the belief was held at some point in the past.

i formerly thought

Uses a more formal tone to express a past belief.

in the past, i thought

Directly states that the belief was held in the past.

FAQs

How can I use "i always thought" in a sentence?

Use "i always thought" to introduce a past belief or assumption, often followed by a contrast or realization. For example, "I always thought that being an adult meant having all the answers, but I was wrong."

What's the difference between "i always thought" and /s/i+think?

"I always thought" refers to a past belief, while "I think" expresses a current belief or opinion. Use "i always thought" to reflect on something you used to believe, and "I think" to express your current thoughts.

What are some alternatives to "i always thought"?

You can use alternatives like "i used to think", "i had always believed", or "i had assumed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "i always thought"?

Yes, "i always thought" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a past belief or assumption.