they thought that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they thought that" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to introduce a statement or idea that someone or a group of people believed or considered to be true. Example: They thought that the new policy would bring about positive changes, but in reality, it had negative consequences.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

They thought that was happening.

The New York Times

And they thought that was just fine.

The New Yorker

They thought that was hysterical," she said.

The New Yorker

"They thought that was shocking," Stewart says.

The Guardian - Music

"They thought that was their protection".

The New York Times

They thought that was really funny".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Why do they think that might be?

The New York Times

They think that is American propaganda".

The New York Times

They think that will impress the girls.

The New Yorker

Is this what they think that means?

The New Yorker

They think that way.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they thought that" to introduce a reported belief or opinion, ensuring clarity by specifying who held the belief and providing context for why it was held.

Common error

Ensure that when using "they thought that", the 'they' is clearly defined. Vague attributions can lead to confusion about who held the belief and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they thought that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a subordinate clause that expresses the content of someone's thoughts or beliefs. It indicates what a group of people considered to be true or likely. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and very common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they thought that" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to report beliefs, opinions, or assumptions held by a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media reporting. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by clearly defining "they" and providing sufficient context. Alternatives such as "they believed that" or "they considered that" can add nuance. Overall, "they thought that" is a versatile and reliable tool for conveying the perspectives of others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they believed that

Replaces "thought" with "believed", emphasizing a stronger conviction.

they considered that

Substitutes "thought" with "considered", suggesting a more deliberate evaluation.

they assumed that

Replaces "thought" with "assumed", indicating a belief taken for granted without proof.

they presumed that

Similar to 'assumed', but often implies acceptance based on probability or likelihood.

they figured that

Replaces "thought" with "figured", suggesting a more informal or calculated conclusion.

it was their understanding that

Emphasizes that the belief was based on information they had received or interpreted.

they were of the opinion that

Formal way of stating a belief or judgement.

they had the impression that

Implies a belief based on a feeling or vague idea rather than concrete evidence.

they were under the assumption that

Highlights that their belief may be questionable or unfounded.

their view was that

Focuses on the belief as a perspective or point of view.

FAQs

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

Use "they thought that" to introduce a belief, idea, or opinion held by a group of people. For instance, "They thought that the new policy would improve efficiency, but it had unintended consequences".

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

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "they believed that", "they were of the opinion that", or "it was their understanding that", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "that" after "they thought"?

While grammatically correct, the "that" in "they thought that" can sometimes be omitted, especially in informal writing. However, including it often enhances clarity and is preferred in formal contexts.

What are some common synonyms for "thought" in the phrase "they thought that"?

Synonyms for "thought" in this context include "believed", "considered", "assumed", and "presumed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.