thought the same thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"thought the same thing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Example: I saw the same strange person walking around the neighborhood, and my neighbor thought the same thing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many victims thought the same thing.

The New Yorker

"Sometimes, I thought the same thing myself.

The New York Times - Sports

"Because I thought the same thing".

The New York Times - Sports

Others thought the same thing.

The New York Times

"I thought the same thing," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Donovan thought the same thing.

The New York Times

Mendoza, crestfallen, thought the same thing.

The New York Times - Sports

Brian: I thought the same thing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I guess he thought the same thing about me".

The New Yorker

He thought the same thing he always thought now.

The New Yorker

But people following the Sabres thought the same thing.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thought the same thing" to clearly indicate that two or more people arrived at the same conclusion or idea independently.

Common error

While "thought the same thing" is perfectly acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "concurred" or "reached a similar conclusion" in academic or professional writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought the same thing" primarily functions as a declarative statement indicating agreement or shared understanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, the expression is correct and usable in written English, often serving to connect or compare perspectives within a narrative or discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thought the same thing" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express agreement or a shared understanding. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While predominantly found in news and media, its register is generally neutral, though more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional settings. When writing, use this phrase to effectively convey shared perspectives while being mindful of the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had the same thought

Emphasizes the act of having a similar idea or notion.

shared the same opinion

Highlights agreement in viewpoint or judgment.

came to the same conclusion

Focuses on reaching a similar understanding after reasoning.

felt the same way

Indicates a shared emotional response or sentiment.

were of the same mind

A more formal way of expressing agreement or shared thinking.

saw eye to eye

An idiomatic expression indicating complete agreement.

agreed completely

Directly states full agreement without specifying the subject.

held the same view

Implies a sustained or established agreement on a topic.

concurred entirely

A formal term for expressing complete agreement or approval.

believed likewise

Indicates a parallel belief or conviction.

FAQs

What does "thought the same thing" mean?

It means to have had the same idea, opinion, or conclusion as someone else, often independently.

How can I use "thought the same thing" in a sentence?

You can use it to show agreement or a shared idea. For example, "I wondered if the plan would work, and my colleague "thought the same thing"."

What can I say instead of "thought the same thing"?

You can use alternatives like "shared the same opinion", "came to the same conclusion", or "felt the same way" depending on the context.

Is "thought the same thing" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral to informal. In very formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "held a similar view" or "concurred".