thought the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thought the problem" is not correct in English as it lacks clarity and context.
It may be intended to express consideration or contemplation regarding a problem, but it needs additional context to be usable. Example: "I thought the problem was more complex than it actually was."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Some people thought the problem was correctable.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nobody thought the problem was the fishermen.

The Guardian

After a few years, Sharon thought the problem went away.

The New York Times - Magazine

Wilkinson thought the problem was a back spasm.

The Guardian - Sport

Butler said that she thought the problem was politics itself.

The New Yorker

Another reader, Rick Wolfe, said he thought the problem has been getting worse.

The New York Times

Lough, her husband and coach, thought the problem might be in her mind.

The New York Times - Sports

When the consumer complaints subsided, the company thought the problem had resolved itself, she said.

The New York Times

He thought the problem was behind him after Mr. Biden left on Thursday.

The New York Times

But for those who thought the problem was vanquished, the report offers a sobering number.

The New York Times

But he thought the problem was that the show had been in color.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve clarity and grammatical correctness, use more precise verbs like "considered", "analyzed", or "addressed" in place of "thought" when referring to dealing with a problem.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "thought the problem" as it lacks grammatical correctness. Instead, specify who did the thinking, such as "I thought the problem was..." or use a more precise verb like "considered the problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought the problem" functions as an incomplete expression, often intended to convey someone's consideration or assessment of an issue. However, as noted by Ludwig AI, it lacks grammatical correctness without a specified subject. The numerous examples available through Ludwig illustrate its frequent but technically flawed usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thought the problem" is frequently used but grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, it lacks a subject, which reduces its clarity and correctness. Although it appears "very common" across various sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it's advisable to use grammatically sound alternatives such as "considered the problem", "analyzed the problem", or, with the addition of a subject, "I thought the problem was...". While its prevalence might suggest acceptance in informal contexts, formal writing demands clearer and more precise language to avoid ambiguity. Therefore, refine your sentences to ensure proper grammatical structure and enhanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considered the problem

Focuses on deliberate thought about the problem.

analyzed the problem

Implies a structured and detailed examination of the problem.

evaluated the problem

Suggests assessing the significance or extent of the problem.

contemplated the problem

Emphasizes a deeper, more reflective consideration of the problem.

addressed the problem

Highlights taking action to deal with the problem.

examined the problem

Highlights careful observation and inspection of the problem.

investigated the problem

Suggests a systematic inquiry to uncover the root causes of the problem.

looked into the problem

Indicates a preliminary inquiry or exploration of the problem.

assessed the problem

Implies a structured evaluation to determine the nature and severity of the problem.

deliberated on the problem

Emphasizes a careful and thorough discussion and consideration of the problem.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the word "thought" when discussing a problem?

Instead of saying "thought the problem", clarify who did the thinking. For example, say "I thought the problem was..." or "She thought the problem was...". This makes the sentence grammatically sound and clearer.

What are some alternatives to "thought the problem" that are grammatically correct?

You can use phrases like "considered the problem", "analyzed the problem", or "addressed the problem" to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity.

Is "thought the problem" grammatically correct in English?

No, "thought the problem" is not grammatically correct. It lacks a subject and a clear verb construction. It's better to rephrase to include a subject, like "I thought the problem was..." or "They thought the problem was..."

How does adding a subject improve the phrase "thought the problem"?

Adding a subject, such as "I" or "She", clarifies who is doing the thinking. For example, "I thought the problem was simple" provides a complete and grammatically correct sentence, unlike the incomplete phrase "thought the problem".