that I thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that I thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a belief or opinion you previously held about something. Example: "I was surprised by the outcome, as it was different from what I thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That, I thought, was love.

The New York Times

That, I thought, would be that.

Independent

I can do that, I thought.

The New York Times

Good luck with that, I thought.

Independent

That, I thought, was life under Papp.

The New Yorker

'I want to do that,' I thought.

The New York Times - Books

That was that, I thought.

The New Yorker

After that, I thought everything went well.

The New York Times - Health

After that, I thought very hard before I photographed something.

The New York Times

That, I thought, is the way to do it.

Independent

That, I thought, frankly, was in the realm of fiction".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that I thought" to clearly indicate a past belief or understanding that may differ from your current perspective. This adds nuance and avoids misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "that I thought" when expressing a current belief. This phrase specifically refers to a past perspective and using it inappropriately can create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that I thought" functions as a dependent clause, typically used to introduce a subjective assessment or a recollection of a past belief. Ludwig AI's analysis, along with the provided examples, shows that it often sets the stage for contrasting a previous understanding with a present reality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that I thought" is a common phrase used to introduce a past belief or opinion. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for various writing styles, especially in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure you're referring to a prior perspective that may differ from your current one. Be mindful of potential misinterpretations by clearly distinguishing between past and present viewpoints. For alternatives, consider phrases like "what I believed" or "as I understood it", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what I believed

Emphasizes a former belief or conviction.

what I had assumed

Focuses on a prior assumption or presumption.

as I understood it

Highlights a past understanding or interpretation.

in my estimation

Indicates a past personal judgment or evaluation.

from my perspective

Showcases a viewpoint or outlook at a certain point.

how I perceived it

Focuses on a prior perception or awareness.

what I once considered

Emphasizes a former consideration or contemplation.

the way I saw it then

Highlights a viewpoint or outlook limited to a specific timeframe.

my prior conviction

Emphasizes a former, strong belief or certainty.

what used to think

Expresses a past habitual way of thinking

FAQs

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

Use "that I thought" to express a past belief or opinion, often one that has changed or been proven incorrect. For example, "That I thought would be the end of it, but I was wrong."

What's a more formal alternative to "that I thought"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "what I previously believed" or "as I formerly understood it" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "what I thought that" instead of "that I thought"?

While variations exist, "that I thought" is the more common and grammatically sound construction for expressing a past belief. Using "what I thought that" can sound awkward or less natural.

What is the difference between "that I thought" and similar expressions like "that I believed"?

The phrase "that I believed" places stronger emphasis on conviction, while "that I thought" is more general and might refer to a passing idea or assumption.