In English, it is common to see sentences like ‘I thought I was…’ where the verb ‘thought’ or ‘think’ is followed by a subject. This structure might seem unusual at first glance, but it is grammatically correct. In this article, we will explore why this happens and how this sentence construction works.
Understanding the structure of ‘thought’ and ‘think’
The verb ‘think’ and its past tense ‘thought’ are often followed by that-clauses, e.g., ‘I think that I am right.’ However, in informal speech or writing, the ‘that’ is often omitted, and the subject can come after the verb. This is a more conversational and fluid way to express thoughts.
Why is there a subject after ‘thought’ or ‘think’?
The reason a subject can come after ‘thought’ or ‘think’ is that the sentence structure is still implying a complete thought or idea. In sentences like ‘I thought I was…’, the clause ‘I was…’ is understood to be the object of the verb ‘thought.’ Essentially, ‘thought’ is still the main verb, and ‘I was…’ is part of the content of the thought, not a separate independent clause.
Examples of the structure in use
Here are a few more examples to illustrate this structure:
- ‘I thought she was coming.’ (Subject ‘she’ comes after the verb ‘thought’).
- ‘I think they are happy.’ (Subject ‘they’ follows ‘think’).
In these examples, the subject appears after the verb because it’s part of what the speaker is thinking, but it still holds its place in the sentence as the subject of the clause.
Conclusion
The structure ‘thought’ or ‘think’ followed by a subject is grammatically correct and is a common way to express what one is thinking. It allows for a smoother and more natural flow of conversation. Understanding this construction can help you use it effectively in both spoken and written English.
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