thought of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thought of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an idea or opinion in your mind, or to something that has been visualized or imagined. For example, "The thought of going without food for a week made her shudder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's no thought of retirement.

Independent

"Just the thought of it".

The New York Times

The very thought of it.

Independent

I dread the thought of it".

The New Yorker

Has anyone thought of this?

Forbes

Thought of a few?

TechCrunch

The thought of internships.

Duke University

No thought of food".

Wikipedia

I thought of cancelling.

The New Yorker

Hadn't thought of that.

The New York Times

I thought of Mme.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "thought of" when reflecting on past actions or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "thought of" in overly passive constructions that obscure the actor. Instead of "It was thought of as a good idea by many", prefer "Many thought of it as a good idea" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought of" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often in the passive voice or as part of a past participle construction. As shown in Ludwig, it signifies consideration, recollection, or opinion. For example, "I "thought of cancelling"".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thought of" is a versatile verb phrase primarily used to express past considerations, opinions, or recollections. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various writing styles, from academic to informal. While common across diverse contexts, it appears most frequently in News & Media. Remember to use it actively and avoid overly passive constructions for clear and effective communication. Ludwig's examples highlight its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker, demonstrating its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Considered

Implies a more deliberate and careful contemplation than "thought of".

Reflected on

Suggests a deeper, more meditative consideration of something.

Contemplated

Indicates a prolonged and thoughtful consideration.

Remembered

Focuses on bringing something back to mind from the past.

Recalled

Similar to 'remembered' but can imply a more vivid or detailed memory.

Envisioned

Emphasizes the act of forming a mental image or concept.

Imagined

Similar to 'envisioned' but can involve a more fantastical or creative mental picture.

Conceived of

Highlights the creation of an idea or plan in the mind.

Had in mind

Implies a plan or intention that has been formulated but not necessarily acted upon.

Entertained the idea of

Suggests that a thought was considered, but not necessarily adopted or believed.

FAQs

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

You can use "thought of" to express a past consideration, as in "I "thought of calling" you yesterday", or to indicate an opinion, such as "He is highly "thought of" in the community".

What are some alternatives to "thought of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "considered", "remembered", or "contemplated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "thought of" and "thinking of"?

"Thought of" generally refers to a past action or consideration, while "thinking of" suggests a present or ongoing consideration. For example, "I "thought of you" yesterday" (past) versus "I am "thinking of you" now" (present).

Can "thought of" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "thought of" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when used to describe considerations or opinions. However, in some contexts, more precise synonyms like "regarded" or "deemed" might be preferred for greater formality.