i thought best

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I thought best" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a decision or conclusion that you believe is the most appropriate or wise based on your thoughts or judgment. Example: "After considering all the options, I thought best to proceed with the plan we discussed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I went ahead and did what I thought best.

The New Yorker

I always dreamed someday I would be boss and run things in the way that I thought best.

The New Yorker

"I thought, best keep on going because if there are any problems, we need to get to where there's medical help.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Afraid of looking like a bad skier, I thought, best to move and keep moving until I could hang onto a T-bar or get back to the lift start, which was only about 30 feet away, but I could not see anything, including my hand stretched out in front of my face.

The New York Times - Travel

"I knew that it was a big change of regulations so I thought best thing to check how the 2014 new turbo era was going for Ferrari.

BBC

With 1SE, I can scroll back to any day since my first clip back in September and immediately see the thing I thought best summed up that day.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I think best at night.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I find that I think best when I'm under adversity.

The New York Times

"I think best thing is like pope sort of system", he says.

The Economist

"I think best when I'm drawing," Burton said as he folded himself into a large red velvet sofa.

The New York Times - Magazine

I think best not to because of the laws of libel and so on.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i thought best", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation of what action you deemed best and why. This provides context and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "i thought best" without providing supporting reasons. Overuse can make your writing sound assertive without being persuasive. Instead, offer the rationale behind your decision-making process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i thought best" primarily functions as a statement of judgment or decision-making. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable. It indicates that the speaker has made a choice based on their assessment of the situation, as seen in examples where someone "did what I thought best."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i thought best" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a decision or judgment based on one's own assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its common occurrence in news and media, as well as science contexts. While suitable for general use, it's important to provide justification for the decision made to enhance clarity and persuasiveness. Alternatives such as "i considered it best" or "i deemed it best" can be used for different nuances or levels of formality. It is important to avoid overuse without proper reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i considered it best

Replaces "thought" with "considered", emphasizing a more deliberate evaluation.

i deemed it best

Uses "deemed" to suggest a formal judgment or assessment.

i believed it best

Emphasizes the belief or conviction behind the decision.

i judged it best

Focuses on the act of judging or assessing the situation.

i found it best

Suggests the decision was reached through experience or discovery.

i concluded it best

Implies a logical deduction leading to the decision.

i decided it was best

Directly states the act of making a decision.

i opted for what was best

Focuses on choosing the most favorable option.

i chose the best course of action

Highlights the selection of a specific action.

i determined the optimal choice

Emphasizes the determination of the best possible option.

FAQs

What does "i thought best" mean?

The phrase "i thought best" means that you made a judgment or decision based on what you believed to be the most appropriate or wise course of action in a particular situation.

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

You can use "i thought best" to explain the rationale behind a decision. For example, "Seeing the storm clouds gathering, "I thought best" to turn back before the heavy rain started".

What are some alternatives to "i thought best"?

Alternatives include "i considered it best", "i deemed it best", or "i believed it best". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "i thought best" formal or informal?

"I thought best" is generally considered neutral in tone. While not overly formal, it's suitable for most professional and news-related contexts. More formal alternatives exist, such as "I considered it prudent".