i simply thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I simply thought' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain something and make it clear that this is your opinion or thought which is not necessarily based on fact. Example: I simply thought that the meeting wouldn't last so long.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

I was fighting against a mounting tidal wave of these thoughts before one day I simply thought, What happens after I get high?

Vice

I was fighting against a mounting tidal wave of these thoughts before one day, I simply thought "what happens after I get high?" Sure, it would feel good to get high, but it means I also spent money when I already owed a drug dealer $1,100.

Vice

I simply thought that Filipinos were not allowed to be in books.

The Guardian

"I simply thought it would be better to do it with sound," Mr. Inge said.

The New York Times - Arts

"I simply thought he [Werritty] was an assistant or an official or something similar," Karunanayake told the Guardian.

The Guardian

Decades later, when I heard about intersectionality, I simply thought: "Yup, that's what's been missing from this stuff all along".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

So when the sweaty hands, tension and racing thoughts begin, I simply think "Welcome anxiety.

Huffington Post

I simply think Shaw is more important.

The Guardian - Arts

I simply think the book still has the best interface.

The New York Times - Books

"I simply think we can do better," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I simply think we cannot afford, in this very particular set of circumstances, to not vote.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i simply thought" to introduce a personal viewpoint or rationale, especially when clarifying a decision or action that might seem unclear to others.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple sentences or paragraphs with "i simply thought" as it can make your writing repetitive. Use alternatives or rephrase sentences for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i simply thought" functions as a clause introducer, setting up an explanation of a belief, assumption, or reasoning. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct. Examples show it is commonly used to introduce a personal viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i simply thought" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to introduce a personal viewpoint or assumption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and applicable in numerous contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While it's effective for expressing your reasoning, be mindful of overuse and consider alternative phrases to enhance writing style. Remember to use "i simply thought" when you wish to convey a straightforward explanation of your thought process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i just assumed

Replaces 'thought' with 'assumed', implying a conclusion without concrete evidence.

i had simply believed

Emphasizes the belief aspect more strongly than the original phrase.

i merely considered

Suggests a brief or superficial thought process.

i had just figured

Implies a more casual and intuitive reasoning process.

i had simply imagined

Highlights that the thought was a product of imagination, rather than fact.

i presumed

A more formal way of saying 'i assumed', implying a lack of direct evidence.

i concluded

Indicates a more definitive thought process and arrival at a conclusion.

i took it for granted

Highlights that the speaker accepted something without questioning it.

it struck me that

Indicates a sudden realization or thought.

i was under the impression

Implies a subjective understanding that may or may not be accurate.

FAQs

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

Use "i simply thought" to express a personal opinion or assumption, such as, "I simply thought the meeting would be shorter" or "I simply thought he was already aware of the situation".

What can I say instead of "i simply thought"?

You can use alternatives like "i just assumed", "i merely considered", or "i had simply believed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "i simply thought" or "i just thought"?

Both "i simply thought" and "i just thought" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express; "simply" may imply a more straightforward or less complicated thought process.

What's the difference between "i simply thought" and "i assumed"?

"I simply thought" expresses a thought process, while "i assumed" implies taking something for granted without necessarily thinking it through. The former is a bit more reflective.