then we thought

USAGE SUMMARY

'then we thought' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to link two ideas together, showing that after one action, another thought occurred. For example: We had been walking for hours, then we thought it would be a good idea to take a break.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then we thought: Let's call Art Garfunkel!

The New York Times

But then we thought, Oh, well.

The New Yorker

Then we thought, well, maybe.

The Guardian

"But then we thought, that's pretty cool".

The New York Times

But then we thought, O.K., why not.

The New York Times

"Then we thought: oh no, hang on".

The Guardian

"And then we thought even bigger".

The New York Times

And then we thought, You know who is funny?

The Washington Post

Then we thought we should wait for the State Department.

The New York Times

"But then we thought, 'Maybe this could work,' " he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Then we thought it would be a great Christmas present.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, "then we thought" can effectively convey the evolution of a character's thinking process, making their actions more relatable and understandable.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "then we thought". This can make your writing monotonous. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives such as "later we thought" or "subsequently we considered" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then we thought" serves as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, indicating a temporal sequence in the progression of thought. This phrase is often used to introduce a subsequent idea or decision that follows an initial consideration, acting as a connector in narratives. Ludwig indicates that it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then we thought" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates a sequence of thought or consideration. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for both neutral and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives exist. Primarily found in news and media sources, this phrase serves to guide the reader through a decision-making process, making it a valuable tool for clear and coherent communication. Remember to vary your sentence structure to avoid overuse and maintain reader engagement. As Ludwig AI confirms, using alternative phrases like "later we thought" or "subsequently we considered" can enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequently, we considered

This alternative replaces "then" with "subsequently" and "thought" with "considered", indicating a formal shift in expressing a sequence of contemplation.

after that, we reasoned

Using "after that" instead of "then" and "reasoned" instead of "thought" suggests a more logical and sequential deduction process.

following this, we surmised

"Following this" and "surmised" add a level of formality and imply a tentative conclusion was reached after the initial idea.

thereupon, we concluded

"Thereupon" and "concluded" suggests a formal, decisive thought process immediately following a preceding action or thought.

next, we speculated

Replacing "then" with "next" and "thought" with "speculated" conveys a progression to a more hypothetical or conjectural idea.

we later envisioned

Changing the structure to "we later envisioned" suggests a more imaginative or forward-looking perspective developed after the initial moment.

in retrospect, we believed

This phrase uses "in retrospect" to indicate a reflection on a past thought or belief.

on reflection, we discerned

"On reflection" implies a deeper contemplation and discernment of something after the initial thought.

upon further consideration, we realized

This alternative adds emphasis to the deliberate re-evaluation and subsequent realization.

we subsequently determined

The words "subsequently determined" indicates that the thought process was part of a formal determination after the initial consideration.

FAQs

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

Use "then we thought" to show a sequence of thoughts or ideas. For example, "We considered the options, "then we thought" a new approach might be best."

What are some alternatives to "then we thought"?

You can use phrases like "subsequently we considered", "after that we reasoned", or "later we thought" to express a similar idea.

Is "then we thought" formal or informal?

"Then we thought" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and neutral contexts. For more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "subsequently we considered".

What's the difference between "then we thought" and "so we thought"?

"Then we thought" indicates a chronological sequence of thought, while "so we thought" implies a consequence or reason. "Then we thought a change was needed" suggests a subsequent idea. "So we thought a change was needed" means the change was a result of a previous thought.