thought alike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thought alike" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that two or more people share similar opinions or ideas. Example: "Despite their different backgrounds, they often found that they thought alike on many important issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

We thought alike".

The New Yorker

They thought alike, they acted alike".

The New Yorker

"We always thought alike," Ms. Ruch said.

The New York Times

We both thought alike, and we just did it".

The New Yorker

We thought alike, we have a similar vision.

The Guardian

What mattered, he said, was that they thought alike.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The two of them were very alike, Hana thought.

The New Yorker

I had been in Boston only a short time when it was discovered that a story similar to 'The Frost King,' called 'The Frost Fairies' by Miss Margaret T. Canby, had appeared before I was born in a book called 'Birdie and His Friends.' The two stories were so much alike in thought and language that it was evident Miss Canby's story had been read to me, and that mine was — a plagiarism".

The New York Times

I believe in the complete freedom of thought and speech -- alike for the humblest man and the mightiest, and in the utmost freedom of conduct that is consistent with living in organized society.

Huffington Post

Raja echoes the thoughts of England and Pakistan players alike when he predicts there will be no ill feeling  from the spot-fixing affair during the three-Test series, although he is keen to stress that will not translate into a lack of competitiveness.

BBC

A powerful tool that can help you combine logic and imagination in your work and life, the end result of mapping should be a web-like structure of words and ideas that are somehow related in your mind, making it easier to remember all the nooks and crannies of your thoughts, failure and success alike.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thought alike", ensure the context clearly establishes who is sharing the similar thoughts. Provide specific examples of their shared perspectives to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "thought alike" when individuals simply experienced similar events or feelings independently. The phrase implies a cognitive connection and shared reasoning, not just parallel experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought alike" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past state of shared thinking or agreement. Ludwig examples illustrate its use to describe individuals who held similar views or arrived at similar conclusions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thought alike" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a shared cognitive state or agreement. According to Ludwig, it commonly appears in News & Media contexts. To ensure clarity in your writing, specify who shared similar thoughts and provide supporting examples. Avoid using "thought alike" to describe individuals who experienced similar situations independently. Alternatives like "shared the same opinion" or "were of one mind" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. The phrase "thought alike" is a versatile tool for expressing shared perspectives in various communicative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared the same opinion

This alternative directly indicates agreement in viewpoints.

were of one mind

This suggests a complete agreement and unity in thought.

saw eye to eye

This idiom implies agreement and shared understanding.

had a meeting of minds

This phrase indicates a convergence of ideas after discussion.

were on the same wavelength

Suggests an intuitive understanding and agreement.

held similar views

Emphasizes the similarity in perspectives.

agreed with each other

A direct statement of agreement.

were in accord

This formal phrase implies a harmonious agreement.

concurred with one another

A formal way of saying they agreed.

reasoned similarly

Focuses on the similar thought processes.

FAQs

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

You can use "thought alike" to describe situations where people share similar opinions or ideas. For example: "Despite their different backgrounds, they often "thought alike" on many important issues."

What does "thought alike" mean?

"Thought alike" means that two or more people have similar opinions, ideas, or thought processes. It suggests a shared understanding or perspective.

What are some alternatives to "thought alike"?

Some alternatives to "thought alike" include "shared the same opinion", "were of one mind", or "saw eye to eye" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "think alike" instead of "thought alike"?

Yes, "think alike" is also correct, but it refers to the present tense. "Thought alike" is the past tense form, used to describe a past instance of shared thinking.