i thought i was wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "i thought i was wrong" is mostly correct but contains a grammatical error due to the lowercase "i." You can use it when expressing a past belief or doubt about your correctness in a situation.
Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I realized that I thought I was wrong about the outcome of the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"But in my head I thought I was wrong for the right reasons".

The Guardian

He looked at me, and said: "If I thought I was wrong about anything I'm saying, I'd be devastated by the way I'm being attacked.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Do I think I was wrong?

The New York Times

But now I think I was wrong.

The New York Times

But I think I was wrong about that.

The New York Times

"I think I was wrong to vote for the war," Mr. Edwards said in an interview.

The New York Times

"I think I was wrong to ask for a secretary of state for human rights".

The New York Times

In particular, he cited his stance on needle-exchange programs, saying, "I think I was wrong about that; I should have tried harder to do that".

The New York Times

O'Brien senior said: "He's obviously a very high-class horse and I think I was wrong in holding him up in some of his races.

BBC

I think one difference we do have is I think I was wrong.

Huffington Post

"I didn't choose the right shots...I think I was wrong in strategy, something that for me is unusual.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i thought i was wrong", ensure the context clearly indicates what you were previously mistaken about. Providing specific details enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

While "i thought i was wrong" is acceptable in many situations, it can sound too informal in highly professional or academic settings. Consider using more formal alternatives like "I initially believed my assessment was incorrect" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i thought i was wrong" functions as a statement of acknowledgment of a past misjudgment or error. It serves to express a change in perspective, admitting that a previous belief or assessment was incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, the basic construction is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "i thought i was wrong" is a common and grammatically correct way to admit a past error or misjudgment. While Ludwig AI notes its basic correctness, it's important to ensure proper capitalization. The phrase is versatile, appearing in news, media, and more informal settings, although formal alternatives may be preferred in certain professional contexts. Remember to provide context when using the phrase to ensure clarity. By considering formality and context, you can effectively use "i thought i was wrong" to convey honesty and self-awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i had believed i was mistaken

Replaces 'thought' with 'believed' and 'wrong' with 'mistaken', increasing formality.

i was under the impression i was incorrect

Uses a more formal and indirect way of admitting the error.

i used to think i was right, but i wasn't

Emphasizes the contrast between the past assumption and the present realization.

it turned out i was wrong

Highlights the discovery of the error as a revelation.

i misjudged the situation

Focuses on the act of misjudgment rather than explicitly stating being wrong.

i was in error

A more formal and direct admission of being wrong.

my initial assessment was incorrect

Highlights that the error occurred in the initial evaluation or judgment.

i now realize i was wrong

Emphasizes the present understanding of the past mistake.

i concede i was wrong

A more formal and emphatic way of admitting the error.

in retrospect, i was wrong

Indicates that the error is clear when looking back at the situation.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "i thought i was wrong"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "I initially believed my assessment was incorrect" or "I concede that my previous understanding was flawed". These options provide a more professional tone compared to "i thought i was wrong".

Is it grammatically correct to say "i thought i was wrong"?

Yes, the phrase "i thought i was wrong" is grammatically correct. However, remember to capitalize the first-person pronoun "I". Ludwig AI confirms that this structure is acceptable in English.

How can I use "i thought i was wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "i thought i was wrong" when admitting a previous error or misjudgment. For example: "After reviewing the data, "i thought i was wrong" about the initial hypothesis."

What is the difference between "i thought i was wrong" and "i believe i am wrong"?

"I thought I was wrong" refers to a past belief that has since changed, while "I believe I am wrong" indicates a current belief or admission. The first one is used when you changed your mind.