imagined that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imagined that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a thought or belief about something that is not real or has not happened. Example: "She imagined that she could fly, soaring above the clouds with ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who could have imagined that?

The New York Times

"Yes, I never imagined that".

The New Yorker

"And I never imagined that happening".

The New York Times

He just never imagined that hair would be his medium.

The New York Times

Twenty years ago, nobody imagined that documentaries could fill theaters.

The New York Times

We imagined that very thing happening if, say, Pres.

The New Yorker

We never imagined that artificial intelligence would be like this.

The New York Times

Caiaphas imagined that Jesus was a potential threat to peace.

The Guardian

I never in a million years imagined that would happen.

The Guardian - Music

Yes, he imagined that Wales was in Europe.

The Guardian - Music

They never imagined that coming here would be so emotional".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imagined that" to express a thought or belief, especially when there's a sense of creativity or uncertainty about the idea. It is particularly effective when describing a mental picture or scenario.

Common error

While "imagined that" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal or professional contexts can make your writing sound less credible. Opt for stronger verbs like "believed", "assumed", or "concluded" to convey certainty and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imagined that" functions as a subordinating conjunction introducing a clause that expresses a thought, belief, or mental image. As evidenced by Ludwig, it connects a main clause with a dependent clause that reflects what someone conceived or supposed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imagined that" is a versatile phrase used to express thoughts, beliefs, or mental images, often with a sense of creativity or uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it is commonly used in both spoken and written English. While it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, writers should be mindful of the register and consider more formal alternatives in professional settings. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "imagined that" to add depth and nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thought that

Replaces "imagined" with "thought", indicating a less vivid or creative process of forming the idea.

envisioned that

Replaces "imagined" with "envisioned", implying a detailed and vivid mental image.

believed that

Substitutes "imagined" with "believed", suggesting a stronger conviction in the idea.

conceived that

Replaces "imagined" with "conceived", suggesting the idea was formed thoughtfully and deliberately.

presumed that

Replaces "imagined" with "presumed", implying an assumption based on limited evidence.

suspected that

Uses "suspected" instead of "imagined", suggesting a hunch or feeling without concrete proof.

fantasized that

Uses "fantasized" instead of "imagined", suggesting a whimsical or unrealistic mental scenario.

it seemed that

Shifts from direct thought to an observation or impression, using an impersonal construction.

it appeared that

Similar to "it seemed that", emphasizing the appearance of something rather than direct imagining.

I had the impression that

Rephrases "imagined that" to focus on a general feeling or sense, rather than a specific thought.

FAQs

How can I use "imagined that" in a sentence?

"Imagined that" is used to express a thought, belief, or mental image. For example, "I imagined that the day would be sunny, but it rained all day."

What are some alternatives to "imagined that"?

You can use alternatives like "thought that", "believed that", or "envisioned that" depending on the context.

Is "imagined that" formal or informal?

"Imagined that" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider using alternatives like "presumed that" or "conceived that".

What's the difference between "imagined that" and "thought that"?

While both express a mental process, "imagined that" often implies a more creative or fantastical element, whereas "thought that" is more general and can refer to any idea or opinion.