was thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a belief or opinion that was held in the past. Example: "It was thought that the project would be completed by the end of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was thought….

The New Yorker

Yes it was, thought Branca.

The New York Times - Sports

Or so it was thought.

The New York Times - Sports

He was thought to be dead.

The Economist

Hillary Clinton was thought to have won.

The Economist

Delirium once was thought to be transient.

The New York Times

He was thought to be traveling alone.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Danner's article was thought-provoking.

The New York Times

"They're thought out".

The New York Times - Arts

Everything is thought out.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's thought out.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was thought" to convey past beliefs or understandings that may or may not be true today. This phrasing is particularly useful when discussing historical perspectives or outdated theories.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "was thought", which can make your writing sound less direct and engaging. Whenever possible, rephrase to use active voice for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was thought" functions as a passive construction, indicating a belief, opinion, or understanding that existed in the past. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, such as describing superseded scientific theories or historical perspectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was thought" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that serves to denote past beliefs or understandings. According to Ludwig, its prevalence across diverse sources, including news, scientific publications, and academic texts, underscores its versatility and broad applicability. When employing this phrase, it's advisable to consider the potential for overuse of passive voice and, where appropriate, opt for more direct and engaging alternatives to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was believed

Emphasizes the belief aspect, replacing "thought" with a more explicit synonym.

it was considered

Focuses on the act of considering something to be true or valid.

it had been thought

Uses the past perfect tense to indicate a belief held further in the past.

people thought

Shifts the focus to the people holding the belief, rather than the belief itself.

it was once thought

Highlights that the belief is no longer current.

it appeared

Suggests an impression or semblance of truth, rather than a firm belief.

it seemed

Similar to "appeared", indicating an impression or feeling.

it was understood

Implies a general or common understanding.

it was presumed

Indicates that something was taken for granted without proof.

the assumption was

Highlights the presence of an underlying assumption.

FAQs

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

Use "was thought" to describe a past belief or understanding. For example, "It was thought that the world was flat."

What are some alternatives to "was thought"?

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

Which is correct, "was thought" or "is thought"?

"Was thought" indicates a past belief, while "is thought" indicates a current belief. The correct choice depends on the time frame you're referring to.

What is the difference between "was thought" and "was known"?

"Was thought" suggests a belief or opinion, while "was known" implies a confirmed fact or established knowledge. "Was known" carries a stronger sense of certainty.