thought I would

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thought I would" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an abbreviation of the full phrase "I thought I would" and is typically used when describing an intended action. For example: "I thought I would give you a call to check in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I thought I would hate it.

The New Yorker

"I never thought I would have that".

The New York Times - Sports

I thought I would never return".

The New York Times - Arts

"I never thought I would own anything".

The New York Times

I thought I would faint from excitement.

The New Yorker

"I thought I would study selfishness".

The New Yorker

I never thought I would do this".

The New Yorker

I thought I would spell it out.

The New York Times

I never thought I would be here".

The New York Times - Sports

I thought I would be buried alive".

The New York Times

I thought I would cry.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thought I would" to express a past intention or expectation that may or may not have been fulfilled. Be clear about the context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "thought I will" as it mixes past and future tenses incorrectly. Always ensure the verb tense aligns with the past tense of "thought".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought I would" functions as part of a sentence expressing a past expectation, intention, or belief. As Ludwig AI says, it's an abbreviation of 'I thought I would'. The examples show it is always followed by a verb indicating the action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thought I would" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express past intentions or expectations. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a shortened version of "I thought I would". Its prevalence in news and media suggests broad applicability, while related phrases like "expected I would" offer nuanced alternatives. When using this phrase, ensure tense consistency and clarity of context. The examples illustrate its versatility in conveying past states of mind regarding potential future actions, making it a valuable tool in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

believed I would

Emphasizes a stronger conviction about a future action.

expected I would

Focuses on anticipating a certain outcome.

anticipated I would

Indicates preparing for something in advance.

assumed I would

Suggests taking something for granted.

foresaw I would

Suggests a degree of insight or prediction.

presumed I would

Similar to 'assumed' but potentially more formal.

imagined I would

Highlights a mental picture or scenario.

figured I would

Implies a more casual or informal expectation.

had the idea I would

Indicates a plan or intention that was considered.

was under the impression I would

Highlights a belief that turned out to be potentially inaccurate.

FAQs

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

Use "thought I would" to describe a past intention or expectation. For example, "I "thought I would" call you earlier, but I got busy".

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

For a more formal tone, consider using "expected I would" or "anticipated I would". These alternatives add a level of sophistication to your writing.

Is it correct to say "thought I will" instead of "thought I would"?

No, "thought I will" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""thought I would"", which maintains consistency in past tense.

What's the difference between "thought I would" and "knew I would"?

"Thought I would" implies an expectation or intention, while "knew I would" suggests certainty about a future event.