thought that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thought that" can be used in written English.
You can use it to link a thought or opinion to the subject of the sentence. For example: "He thought that the sunset was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We thought that way.

The Economist

I thought that was crazy.

The New Yorker

"I thought that was life".

The New York Times

I thought that was terrible.

The New York Times - Sports

"I thought that was bullshit.

The New Yorker

I thought that was interesting.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I thought that was fantastic".

The New York Times

I thought: "That guy's smart.

The New York Times - Arts

Sarkozy thought that was ridiculous.

The New Yorker

I thought that was obvious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I thought that was astounding".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the tense of "thought" aligns with the timeline of events being described. Using the correct tense helps maintain clarity and avoid confusion for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "thought that" with a plural subject and singular verb or vice versa. Always ensure that the subject and verb agree in number to maintain grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought that" primarily functions as a connector, linking a subject with their opinion or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to introduce a subordinate clause expressing someone's thought. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in reporting beliefs or assumptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thought that" serves as a versatile tool for attributing beliefs and opinions, as validated by Ludwig. It is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to consider context and choose alternatives where greater precision or formality is required. Ludwig's examples provide valuable insights into its real-world application, emphasizing its role in expressing subjective viewpoints and linking individuals to their internal thoughts. Remember to maintain subject-verb agreement and adjust the tense appropriately for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

believed that

Replaces "thought" with a synonym emphasizing conviction.

considered that

Indicates a more deliberate or reflective thought process.

assumed that

Suggests a presumption without concrete evidence.

figured that

Implies a conclusion reached through reasoning or guesswork.

opined that

Formal way to express a personal opinion or judgment.

held the view that

Formal and emphatic way of expressing a belief.

was of the opinion that

More formal and elaborate way to express a personal belief.

it seemed that

Focuses on the appearance or impression rather than a definite thought.

had the impression that

Indicates a feeling or vague belief, less concrete than a thought.

it appeared that

Similar to "it seemed that", suggesting an observation or inference.

FAQs

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

The phrase "thought that" is used to introduce a subordinate clause expressing someone's belief or opinion. For example, "He thought that the movie was great".

What are some alternatives to using "thought that"?

You can use alternatives like "believed that", "considered that", or "assumed that" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "thought that" and "believed that"?

"Thought that" generally implies a more casual or immediate consideration, while "believed that" suggests a stronger, more deeply held conviction.

Can "thought that" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "thought that" is acceptable in formal writing, but in some contexts, using more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "was of the opinion that" might be more appropriate.