last I thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last I thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a previous belief or understanding about a situation or fact. Example: "Last I thought, the meeting was scheduled for next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

I feel alone and unappreciated for some odd reason this deployment is ending up to be like the last i thought about killing myself and went to the porti john and chambered a round into my m4 but decided not to pull the trigger.

The New York Times

At last, I thought I was onto something.

The New Yorker

And that was the last I thought about it.

The New York Times - Magazine

"When landing over the last I thought his stamina might see it out, but it didn't".

Independent

At last, I thought, they are forced to eat a proper Italian meal.

The New York Times - Magazine

At last, I thought, the time for being in denial is over.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

At last, I think, it is done!

The Guardian - Arts

"I went through some very difficult moments, but at last I think it's over.

The New York Times

A little later, he adds, "Tragedy and comedy have a common root, whose name at last I think I know.

The New Yorker

I also have had a partner for the last, I think, 10 years: Ann Ferguson.

The New York Times

In your story, the last I think we learned is that she denied his burial request, so I'm curious how she feels and what she thinks now.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "last I thought", ensure the context makes it clear what prompted the shift in your thinking. Providing a brief explanation enhances clarity and comprehension for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "last I thought" when you simply want to express a current opinion or belief. This phrase specifically refers to a previous idea that has changed, not a present viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

Grammatically, "last I thought" functions as an introductory phrase that sets the stage for a statement contrasting a past belief with a current understanding. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is often followed by a comma and then the contrasting information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "last I thought" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for indicating a prior belief that has since changed. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears in various contexts, primarily in news and media, and serves to introduce a contrast between past and present understandings. While not extremely common, its usage is consistent and effective for conveying shifts in perspective. When using this phrase, remember to ensure that the temporal context is clear and that you are indeed referring to a previous belief, not just a current opinion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as far as I knew

Indicates a previous understanding without necessarily implying a change in belief, focusing more on the limit of one's knowledge.

to the best of my knowledge

Similar to "as far as I knew", but emphasizes the speaker's confidence in their previous understanding.

I used to think

Directly states a change in thought, highlighting the contrast between past and present beliefs.

I previously believed

Formal and emphatic way of stating a past belief that has changed.

I had assumed

Suggests a belief based on incomplete information, now corrected.

I was under the impression

Implies that the previous belief may have been influenced by external sources or misinformation.

I once thought

Similar to "I used to think", but can carry a stronger sense of detachment from the past belief.

what I thought before

Refers more broadly to a past line of thinking, rather than a specific belief.

at the time I believed

Highlights the context of the past belief, emphasizing that it was appropriate for that specific moment.

initially, I thought

Focuses on the starting point of a thought process, contrasting it with subsequent developments.

FAQs

How can I use "last I thought" in a sentence?

Use "last I thought" to indicate a prior understanding or belief that has since changed, for example: "Last I thought, the project was on schedule, but now I hear there are delays."

What are some alternatives to "last I thought"?

Alternatives include "as far as I knew", "to the best of my knowledge", or "I used to think", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explain why my thinking changed when using "last I thought"?

While not always required, briefly explaining the reason for the change in your thinking after using "last I thought" can enhance clarity and provide context for your audience.

What's the difference between "last I thought" and "I think"?

"I think" expresses a current opinion or belief, whereas "last I thought" refers to a previous belief that has since been updated or proven incorrect.