rather thought that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather thought that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a belief or assumption that is somewhat tentative or uncertain. Example: "I rather thought that the meeting was scheduled for next week, but I may have been mistaken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We rather thought that Janet was going to be married to her career forever," her mother told me.

The New Yorker

"I rather thought that there would be some sort of plan and the government had thought this through, and I was clearly wrong," he said.

The Guardian

We rather thought that students should compare different distributions of net income after additional taxes had been levied and then make their choice.

SERIEs

Lamarck's concept of evolution was limited in scope: in particular, he did not believe in extinction of species but rather thought that species are gradually transformed into other species via phyletic modification.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I rather think that the exertion and skill are merely a means to the end.

The New York Times

The majority of the country would rather think that union is possible, rather than further entrenchment in the culture wars that have so scarred this country.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In the beginning, she would rather think that she's crazy than believe that some presence in the universe is talking to her," Mr. Holland said.

The New York Times

"Now that we are simply asking them to do the right thing, they would rather think that we are the problem".

The New York Times

I rather think that it was after, and that when she heard his steps outside her door she felt the anger in them but did not yet know what had caused it.

The New Yorker

But Alan Bold, the director of the V&A, says, "I rather think that donor fatigue is setting in .That may not matter if the demand for extensions and new museums is set to calm down after the recent flurry.

The Economist

(Needless to say, the Slovakian tourist board is less than happy about the way its fair land is represented, although I rather think that Hostel will do the tourist industry no harm at all).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rather thought that", ensure the context reflects a sense of mild surprise or a gentle correction of a previous assumption. It's ideal for expressing a polite disagreement or a revised opinion based on new information.

Common error

Avoid using "rather thought that" excessively in formal contexts where more direct and assertive language is preferred. Overuse can make your writing sound hesitant or uncertain, undermining your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather thought that" primarily functions as a qualifying verb phrase. It introduces a statement of belief or opinion, but with a degree of tentativeness or politeness. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is used correctly.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather thought that" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a tentative belief or opinion, often to soften a statement. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English. While found in both News & Media and Scientific sources, its usage is relatively rare, making it more suitable for neutral to informal contexts. When you aim for more direct or assertive language, alternatives such as "somewhat believed that" or "kind of assumed that" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat believed that

Replaces "rather thought" with a more direct expression of belief, implying a degree of uncertainty.

kind of assumed that

Uses a more informal and casual expression for a tentative assumption.

had a slight inclination to think that

Introduces a more nuanced and hesitant perspective on the thought process.

was somewhat under the impression that

Emphasizes the subjective and potentially inaccurate nature of the impression.

vaguely suspected that

Conveys a weaker and less defined level of suspicion or belief.

half-expected that

Indicates a partial expectation, suggesting some level of anticipation.

tentatively concluded that

Highlights the provisional and experimental nature of the conclusion.

loosely considered that

Suggests a less rigorous and more casual consideration of the idea.

had a faint idea that

Implies a weak or unclear understanding or inkling of the thought.

generally presumed that

Uses a common term for an assumption made without concrete proof, but with a wider acceptance.

FAQs

How can I use "rather thought that" in a sentence?

Use "rather thought that" to express a tentative belief or a gentle correction of a previous assumption. For example: "I "rather thought that" the meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, but it seems I was mistaken."

What are some alternatives to "rather thought that"?

Alternatives include "somewhat believed that", "kind of assumed that", or "vaguely suspected that", depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is "rather thought that" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "rather thought that" is better suited for informal or neutral contexts. Formal writing may benefit from more direct and assertive phrasing.

What is the difference between "rather thought that" and "I thought"?

"Rather thought that" implies a degree of tentativeness or mild surprise, whereas "I thought" is a more direct statement of belief. The addition of "rather" softens the assertion.