tentatively I thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tentatively I thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or hesitation about a thought or idea. Example: "Tentatively I thought that perhaps we could change the meeting time to accommodate everyone’s schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Against the white, her teeth had a fluorescent ochre sheen, but otherwise she looked regal and appraising and she smiled at all of us, including me — though more tentatively, I thought, at me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But, tentatively, I think Cindy has the edge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a verdict Steane himself tentatively commends ("I think there might be something in it").

The Guardian - Books

I answer tentatively that I think there is a correlation between the causelessness of Mexico's war and the savagery.

The Guardian - Opinion

Trudeau referred to this grievance when he chided Americans in a television interview for not paying enough attention to the world, then tentatively added: "I think we sometimes like to think that, you know, Americans will pay attention to us from time to time, too".

The Guardian - Opinion

And so I tentatively picked up the phone and rang the people who had the money and said, 'Could you wire thirty thousand pounds to my bank account?' And they said, 'It'll be there tomorrow.' And I thought, Oh!" — he laughed — "I see!

The New Yorker

"I don't know," Angela disagrees tentatively, "I don't think things are ever totally set".

The Guardian

I tentatively put up my tent – the fifth one up, I think, and put my energy into helping to set up the Tent City University.

The Guardian - Opinion

Does that make sense?" "I think so," she said tentatively.

Huffington Post

"Things could sour quickly, but... maybe I'm just saying it, but I think we're in a tentatively firm position in terms of happiness, subject to contingencies".

Science Magazine

Still, "maybe I'm just saying it, but I think we're in a tentatively firm position in terms of happiness, subject to contingencies".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tentatively I thought" when you want to convey a sense of uncertainty or hesitation about an idea, ensuring the context supports this level of doubt. The phrase is most effective when the tentativeness is directly relevant to the situation or decision at hand.

Common error

Avoid overuse, as it can make your writing sound indecisive. Instead, opt for stronger verbs or more confident phrasing if the context allows. Too many tentative statements can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentatively I thought" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb 'thought'. It expresses the manner in which the thinking occurred. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tentatively I thought" is a grammatically correct phrase used to convey a thought that is uncertain or hesitant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid construction. While not exceedingly common, it finds use in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When employing the phrase, be mindful of its potential to undermine your confidence if overused, and consider alternatives like "I cautiously thought" when appropriate. Its primary function is to express a lack of assurance in the thought process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I cautiously thought

Replaces "tentatively" with "cautiously", emphasizing a sense of carefulness or apprehension in the thought process.

I hesitantly thought

Substitutes "tentatively" with "hesitantly", highlighting the wavering or reluctance in forming the thought.

I vaguely thought

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or definition in the thought itself, rather than the hesitation in expressing it.

I tentatively surmised

Replaces "thought" with "surmised", suggesting a more reasoned but still uncertain conclusion.

I speculated tentatively

Inverts the order and uses "speculated", highlighting the speculative nature of the thought with an added emphasis of caution.

I cautiously assumed

Replaces "thought" with "assumed", implying a belief taken for granted with a dose of caution.

I tentatively believed

Substitutes "thought" with "believed", suggesting a slightly stronger conviction, though still tentative.

If I remember correctly

Shifts the focus to the act of remembering, adding an element of potential fallibility to the recollection.

As far as I could tell

Focuses on the limitations of perception or information available when forming the thought.

From what I could gather

Emphasizes the effort of piecing together information to form a tentative conclusion.

FAQs

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

Use "tentatively I thought" to express a hesitant or uncertain thought. For example, "She looked regal, and "tentatively I thought" she smiled at me."

What are some alternatives to "tentatively I thought"?

Alternatives include "I cautiously thought", "I vaguely thought", or "as far as I could tell", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "tentatively I thought"?

Yes, "tentatively I thought" is grammatically correct, although it's more common to place "tentatively" before the verb, such as "I thought tentatively".

When is it appropriate to use "tentatively I thought"?

It is appropriate when you want to express a thought that you are not entirely sure about, or when you want to convey a sense of hesitation or uncertainty.