which I thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which I thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a previous belief or assumption about something, often in a context where that belief is being reconsidered or clarified. Example: "I was under the impression that the meeting was at 10 AM, which I thought was confirmed in the email."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Which I thought was great".

The New York Times

— which I thought was very unfair.

The New Yorker

"Which I thought was rather naked.

The New Yorker

Which I thought was really cool".

The New York Times - Style

(Which I thought was probably true).

The Guardian - Books

Which I thought was a bit harsh.

The Guardian - Sport

She said yes, which I thought was pretty cool.

The New York Times

Which I thought revealed a lot about his band.

Independent

It overtook Prince, which I thought was terrible!

Independent

I spotted Harrison Ford, which I thought was pretty exciting.

The Guardian

Then he made The Fighter, which I thought was terrific.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which I thought", ensure the clause it introduces logically connects to the main sentence, providing relevant context or explanation.

Common error

Avoid replacing "which" with "that" when the clause is nonrestrictive and adds extra information, as this can alter the meaning or sound unnatural. "Which", preceded by a comma, is typically used for nonrestrictive clauses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which I thought" functions as a relative clause modifying a preceding noun phrase or clause. It introduces a personal perspective or belief about something. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

6%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which I thought" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express personal opinions or beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, it adds a subjective viewpoint to statements. While alternatives like "what I believed" or "from my perspective" exist, "which I thought" maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing contexts. Remember to use "which" correctly, setting off the clause with commas when it's nonrestrictive to avoid grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what I believed

Focuses on the belief itself rather than the act of thinking.

as I understood it

Highlights understanding or interpretation at a specific time.

as far as I could tell

Emphasizes the limits of one's perception or knowledge.

from my perspective

Highlights the subjective nature of the opinion.

in my estimation

Conveys a more formal or considered opinion.

what seemed to me

Focuses on the appearance or impression at the time.

if I recall correctly

Adds a degree of uncertainty based on memory.

at the time I considered

Highlights the act of contemplation or consideration.

the way I saw it

Emphasizes a personal viewpoint or interpretation.

according to my understanding

Highlights that the information or idea is based on personal comprehension.

FAQs

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

"Which I thought" is used to add a personal belief or opinion to a statement. For example, "The movie was long, "which I thought" made it boring."

What are some alternatives to "which I thought"?

Alternatives include phrases like "what I believed", "as I understood it", or "from my perspective". Consider "what I believed" if you want to emphasize the belief itself, or "from my perspective" to highlight the subjective nature of the opinion.

Is it always necessary to include "which I thought" in a sentence?

No, it's not always necessary. The phrase adds a personal touch, but it can be omitted if the sentence is clear without it. For instance, instead of saying "The plan was risky, "which I thought" was a mistake", you could simply say, "The plan was risky and a mistake."

What is the difference between "which I thought" and "that I thought"?

"Which I thought" usually introduces a nonrestrictive clause, adding extra information, whereas "that I thought" introduces a restrictive clause, essential for understanding the sentence's meaning. Although the difference is subtle, "which I thought", set off by commas, is generally preferred when providing additional commentary or perspective.