previously I thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously I thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when reflecting on a past belief or assumption that has since changed or been reconsidered. Example: "Previously I thought that the project would take only a month, but now I realize it will require more time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Previously, I thought of disability hate crime (which rose noticeably between 2008 and 2012) as the sharp edge of hardship: as the economy tanked, people's lives became harder, mean people became meaner and attacked the undefended.

The Guardian - Opinion

Previously I thought of bullets as being little specks, but the borderline pornographic images of hollow-points revealed they were actually as long as my middle finger, except unlike my middle finger they are designed to go very fast into someone's body, then explode.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As I've said previously, I think the new exchanges, and particularly the generous new subsidies that are available on them, will eventually prove very popular, and Obamacare be a success on its own terms: i.e., it will substantially reduce the number of uninsured.

The New Yorker

He has said previously: "I think there is a lot to develop here but the infrastructure that is already in place is key.

BBC

It's still not Alexa in the car, which is something I've said previously I think would be a good fit.

TechCrunch

"When I have played him previously I think it's been 6-0 and 6-1 and I knew if I could get on top of him early on then it would be tough for him".

BBC

But previously I think it would have been a cost-effective clinic to run.

BMC Family Practice

As I wrote previously, I think the Richard group has "skipped the step, or are avoiding the issue, of establishing that the RGG box is important.

eLife

As previously, I think it would be interesting to precise how many and which EfP sequences harbour this conserved lysine and their taxonomic distribution across bacterial phyla.

Biology Direct

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06234.022 [Editors' note: the author responses to the re-review follow.] Reviewer #1 (abridged): As I wrote previously, I think the Richard group has "skipped the step, or are avoiding the issue, of establishing that the RGG box is important.

eLife

Whereas previously I had thought I was most at home with engineering, when my boss took a position in another company in the group, I was happy to step into his shoes.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previously I thought" to clearly indicate a shift in your understanding or opinion. This signals intellectual honesty and growth to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "previously I thought" excessively in a single piece of writing. It can make your reasoning seem inconsistent. Instead, vary your language to introduce changes in perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously I thought" functions as a transitional expression, signaling a shift in perspective or a change in understanding. It indicates a contrast between a past belief and a current viewpoint. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previously I thought" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for indicating a change in perspective. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and its use is most common in news, media, and scientific contexts. While not overly formal, its appropriate use signals intellectual honesty. Remember to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "I used to think" or "I once believed" for variety. The phrase serves to show that your understanding has evolved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I used to think

Directly replaces "previously I thought" with a focus on past beliefs.

At first, I thought

Emphasizes the very beginning of one's thinking.

I once believed

Highlights a past conviction that is no longer held.

My initial thought was

Emphasizes the original idea or assumption.

I had always assumed

Indicates a long-held, now revised, assumption.

I had previously considered

Reiterates a former perspective that has changed.

I formerly considered

Focuses on a past consideration or opinion.

Earlier, I had the impression

Highlights a prior understanding or perception.

Before, my understanding was

Stresses a change in comprehension.

In the past, I imagined

Focuses on a prior conception or visualization.

FAQs

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

Use "previously I thought" to introduce a past belief or understanding that you now realize is different or incorrect. For example: "Previously I thought that all mushrooms were poisonous, but I've since learned otherwise."

What can I say instead of "previously I thought"?

You can use alternatives like "I used to think", "I once believed", or "my initial thought was" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "formerly I thought"?

While grammatically correct, "formerly I thought" sounds more formal than "previously I thought". Consider your audience and the tone of your writing when choosing between the two.

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

"Previously I thought" introduces a past belief, while "I now think" indicates your current belief. Using both together can effectively highlight a change in your perspective.