it was thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an idea that somebody had at some time in the past. For example: It was thought that people who lived near the river had access to an abundance of food.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was thought that single cell C4 system could be faster to install in C3 plants.

Rice

It was thought….

The New Yorker

Or so it was thought.

The New York Times - Sports

It was thought too xenophobic.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was thought that the layer was composed of propylene.

Polymer

It was thought the killer was retired.

The Washington Post

Afterwards it was thought that 11..

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Yes it was, thought Branca.

The New York Times - Sports

At the time, it was thought that the functions of these circuits would soon be known.

Columbia University

Another time, it was thought to be cellulitis.

The Washington Post

It was thought to be a mean between two extremes.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse in formal writing; consider more active constructions like "researchers believed" or "experts concluded" for greater clarity and directness.

Common error

Ensure consistency in voice. Avoid shifting from the passive "it was thought" to an active construction without a clear subject. For instance, instead of "It was thought the experiment would fail, but scientists were surprised", use "It was thought the experiment would fail, but scientists were surprised by the results."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was thought" serves as a passive construction used to introduce a belief, idea, or assumption that existed at some point in the past. The phrase deemphasizes the actor (the one who thought) and focuses on the content of the thought. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was thought" is a versatile phrase employed to introduce past beliefs or assumptions, often setting the stage for a contrasting viewpoint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in written English. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and academic contexts, reflecting its neutrality in tone. When writing, be mindful of maintaining voice consistency and consider stronger, active constructions when appropriate for greater clarity. While numerous alternatives exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was believed

Synonymous, but emphasizes the act of believing.

it was considered

Implies a more formal or deliberate evaluation.

it was assumed

Suggests a presumption without concrete evidence.

it was understood

Indicates a common agreement or knowledge.

people thought

More direct and less formal than the original.

they thought

Similar to "people thought", but refers to a specific group.

the prevailing opinion was

Highlights widespread acceptance of an idea.

the general consensus was

Focuses on a collective agreement or understanding.

the assumption was

Highlights that something was presumed to be true.

it seemed

Implies an appearance or impression, rather than a firm belief.

FAQs

How can I use "it was thought" in a sentence?

Use "it was thought" to introduce a belief or understanding that existed in the past, often one that has since been challenged or revised. For example, "It was thought the world was flat until proven otherwise".

What are some alternatives to "it was thought"?

Alternatives include "it was believed", "it was considered", or "it was assumed", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Each suggests a slightly different level of certainty or evidence.

Is "it was thought" formal or informal?

"It was thought" is generally neutral in tone. While suitable for many contexts, more formal writing may benefit from a more direct construction, such as "researchers believed".

What's the difference between "it was thought" and "it is thought"?

"It was thought" refers to a past belief, while "it is thought" indicates a current belief or understanding. The tense shift is crucial for conveying the correct timeframe.