then I thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then I thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a moment of reflection or realization after a previous statement or event. Example: "I was unsure about my decision, and then I thought about the potential consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But then I thought again.

The New Yorker

Then I thought, My book.

The New Yorker

Then I thought the crossroads.

The New York Times - Arts

"Then I thought, 'Wow.

The New York Times - Style

Then I thought, no.

The New York Times - Style

Then I thought perhaps a musician.

The New Yorker

"But then I thought of my daughter".

The New York Times

"Then I thought it was a cataract.

The New York Times - Health

And then I thought: Yes, I am.

The New Yorker

Then I thought it was a fox.

The Economist

Then I thought of the playing card".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then I thought" to clearly indicate a change in your line of reasoning or a new idea that occurred to you after some initial consideration. It helps to structure your narrative and show the evolution of your thinking.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "then I thought". Overusing it can make your writing repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "after that", "subsequently", or rephrasing to emphasize the content of your thought rather than the act of thinking itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then I thought" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a shift in thought process or the introduction of a new idea following a previous one. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "then I thought" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signals a shift in thought, introducing a new idea or realization after a preceding one. Ludwig AI confirms it's a great expression. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to narrate personal experiences or decisions. Alternatives such as "at that moment I realized" or "on second thought I" can provide variety. Be mindful of overuse, and ensure the phrase enhances, rather than detracts from, the clarity and flow of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I then understood

Focuses on the gaining of understanding.

at that moment I realized

Highlights the suddenness of the realization.

it then occurred to me

Emphasizes the spontaneous nature of the thought.

I reconsidered and

Emphasizes the act of rethinking a previous idea.

after that I considered

Emphasizes the sequence of events, highlighting the consideration that followed.

on second thought I

A more concise and informal way of expressing a change in thought.

after reflection I concluded

Highlights the reflective process leading to a conclusion.

later I came to believe

Indicates a belief developed over time after the initial thought.

subsequently I surmised

Suggests a more formal deduction or conclusion reached after the initial thought.

thereupon I reflected

Implies a deliberate and thoughtful reflection after the first thought.

FAQs

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

"Then I thought" is used to introduce a thought that came to you after some initial consideration. For example, "I was going to order pizza, then I thought about the calories".

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

You can use alternatives like "at that moment I realized", "it then occurred to me", or "on second thought I" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "then I thought" after already stating a thought?

It's not necessarily redundant if it introduces a contrasting or modifying thought. For instance, "I thought it was a good idea. Then I thought about the potential problems".

What's the difference between "then I thought" and "I then thought"?

"Then I thought" is more common and natural-sounding. "I then thought" is grammatically correct but less frequently used and might sound slightly more formal or stilted.