i thought that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I thought that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce an opinion or idea. For example, "I thought that the concert was fantastic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I thought that was crazy.

The New Yorker

"I thought that was life".

The New York Times

I thought that was terrible.

The New York Times - Sports

"I thought that was bullshit.

The New Yorker

I thought that was interesting.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I thought that was weird.

The New York Times - Food

I thought that was wrong".

The New York Times - Sports

"I thought that was fantastic".

The New York Times

I thought: "That guy's smart.

The New York Times - Arts

I thought that was obvious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I thought that was astounding".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "i thought that" with specific details to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity in your statements.

Common error

In formal writing, overuse of "i thought that" can make your writing seem less confident and more subjective. Instead, consider using stronger, more direct statements of fact or analysis when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i thought that" serves as a clause introducer, typically followed by a subordinate clause expressing a past belief, opinion, or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i thought that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a past belief, opinion, or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and highly frequent, particularly in News & Media. While suitable for many contexts, formal writing may benefit from more direct alternatives. Remember to use it to clarify your reasoning and provide context for your statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i believed that

Emphasizes a conviction or certainty about the thought.

i considered that

Suggests a more deliberate or thoughtful evaluation.

i assumed that

Implies a presumption without concrete evidence.

i figured that

Indicates an informal conclusion or understanding.

i had the impression that

Conveys a vague or intuitive feeling.

it seemed to me that

Focuses on a personal perception or appearance.

as i understood it

Highlights a specific interpretation or comprehension.

from my perspective

Introduces a subjective viewpoint or opinion.

in my estimation

Presents a personal assessment or judgment.

my understanding was that

Formal way to express a previous comprehension of a matter.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "i believed that", "i considered that", or "it seemed to me" depending on the context.

How to use "i thought that" in a sentence?

You can use "i thought that" to introduce a past belief or opinion, for example, "I thought that the movie was excellent" or "I thought that the project would be completed sooner".

Is "i thought that" formal or informal?

"I thought that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in everyday conversation and less formal writing.

What's the difference between "i thought that" and "i think that"?

"I thought that" refers to a past belief or opinion, while "i think that" expresses a current belief or opinion.