i first thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"I first thought" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement indicating the situation or idea you formed initially in your mind before later learning more information or changing your opinion. For example: "I first thought the project was doomed to fail, but after doing some more research I realized it might be worth a try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prof Kaboğlu, who I first thought of, belongs to the same school of thought and rank.

Huffington Post

I can remember when I first thought seriously about Twitter.

The New York Times

I first thought that this result was particularly interesting.

Princeton University

I first thought I'd list 40 of each.

The Guardian

"I first thought José might be a muskrat".

The New Yorker

When I first thought of this, I mentioned it to a friend.

The New York Times

Skim it and take a guess why I first thought it was a parody.

University of California, Berkeley

I first thought that I did not know what I could do at the D-Lab.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I remember the day I first thought At Seventeen might be doing something.

The Guardian

Two weeks ago I received an email that I first thought must be a scam.

The Guardian - Money

"It ended up very differently than I first thought," Mr. Zakrzewski said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I first thought" to introduce a contrast between your initial belief and your current understanding, adding depth to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid presenting your initial thought as your current stance. Always clarify how your perspective has evolved since your initial assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I first thought" functions as an introductory clause, setting the stage for a statement that typically contrasts with a later realization or understanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to present an initial perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I first thought" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that effectively introduces a contrast between an initial perception and a later understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it serves to recount past beliefs, highlight shifts in perspective, and add depth to narratives. When using this phrase, ensure to clearly distinguish your initial thought from your current viewpoint to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially, i believed

Replaces "thought" with "believed" and adds "initially" for emphasis on the first impression.

at first, i assumed

Uses "assumed" instead of "thought", indicating a supposition made at the beginning.

my initial impression was

Frames the phrase as an "impression" rather than a direct thought, adding formality.

to begin with, i considered

Uses "considered" to suggest a more deliberate initial assessment.

in the beginning, i imagined

Replaces "thought" with "imagined", implying a less concrete initial idea.

originally, i had the idea

Expresses the initial thought as an "idea", shifting the focus slightly.

my first inclination was

Uses "inclination" to suggest a natural tendency in initial thought.

i originally conceived

Employs "conceived" to imply a more developed initial understanding.

at the outset, i gathered

Replaces "thought" with "gathered", indicating an initial understanding based on available information.

initially, it seemed to me

Adds "it seemed to me" for a more subjective and hesitant expression of initial thought.

FAQs

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

Use "I first thought" to introduce an idea or belief you held at an earlier time, often followed by a contrasting statement about your current understanding. For instance, "I first thought the task was impossible, but with some effort, I managed to complete it".

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

You can use alternatives like "initially I believed", "at first I assumed", or "my initial impression was" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "I first thought" in formal writing?

Yes, "I first thought" is suitable for formal writing, especially when narrating a process of discovery or change in perspective. However, consider more formal alternatives if a higher degree of objectivity is required.

What's the difference between "I first thought" and "I initially believed"?

"I first thought" is a more general expression of an initial idea, while "I initially believed" implies a stronger conviction that was later revised. The choice depends on the strength of your original stance.