thought the opposite

USAGE SUMMARY

"thought the opposite" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It describes a thought or belief that is the opposite of what is expected or assumed. Example: Despite the initial rumors, the CEO's statement at the conference thought the opposite and reassured investors that the company was on a steady path of growth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Anthropologists like Margaret Mead thought the opposite.

The New York Times - Health

But the king thought the opposite.

The Guardian - Opinion

For a long time, I thought the opposite, but not anymore.

The New Yorker

He thought the opposite of integration was not just segregation but disintegration -- a nation unraveling.

The Washington Post

Twenty-seven percent said their prospects had improved, while 19percentthoughththehe opposite.

The Washington Post

"It's a resounding no," he said, adding that he thought the opposite was true.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

When asked where he thought the opposite-field drive would have landed without the wind, he said, "Same place".

The New York Times - Sports

Most Europeans think the opposite.

The Economist

We usually think the opposite.

The New Yorker

Actually I think the opposite.

The Economist

I think the opposite.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thought the opposite", clearly state both the initial thought and the contrasting one to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "thought the opposite" without clearly establishing what the original thought or belief was. Ensure the reader understands what is being contrasted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought the opposite" primarily functions as a concise way to express a contrasting opinion or expectation. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse contexts, from personal beliefs to economic forecasts. This is in line with Ludwig AI status of gramatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thought the opposite" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a contrasting opinion or expectation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications, reflecting its widespread applicability. While versatile, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what the original thought was for effective communication. Alternatives like "believed otherwise" offer similar meanings with subtle differences. The phrase carries a neutral register, rendering it appropriate for both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

believed otherwise

Emphasizes a difference in belief, potentially stronger than simply thinking the opposite.

held a contrary view

Highlights a formal or opposing viewpoint.

disagreed entirely

Focuses on the disagreement aspect, implying a complete difference in opinion.

considered the reverse

Highlights the reversal of a prior thought or consideration.

took the opposing stance

Suggests a deliberate choice to stand in opposition.

maintained a different perspective

Emphasizes the difference in viewpoint or outlook.

had an alternative opinion

Indicates a differing opinion or judgment.

saw things differently

Highlights a divergent perception or interpretation.

felt quite the contrary

Emphasizes a personal feeling in opposition.

did not share that belief

Underlines the lack of shared conviction or acceptance.

FAQs

How can I use "thought the opposite" in a sentence?

You can use "thought the opposite" to show a contrast in opinions or expectations. For example, "Initially, I expected a decline in sales, but the quarterly report "thought the opposite"."

What are some alternatives to "thought the opposite"?

Alternatives include phrases like "believed otherwise", "held a contrary view", or "disagreed entirely", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "thought the opposite"?

Yes, "thought the opposite" is grammatically correct. It functions as a concise way to express a contrasting belief or opinion.

What's the difference between "thought the opposite" and "believed the opposite"?

"Thought the opposite" implies a reflection or consideration leading to a different conclusion, while "believed the opposite" suggests a firmer conviction or stance. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize contemplation or strong conviction.