When it comes to expressing agreement with someone, many of us have been guilty of using the phrase “I thought so too” or “I thought so to” without giving a second thought to which one is correct. While both phrases may seem interchangeable, there is a subtle difference between them, and using the wrong one can change the meaning of your sentence entirely.
The Grammar Behind the Phrase
To understand which phrase is correct, let’s break down the grammar behind it. The phrase “I thought so” is a statement that expresses agreement or confirmation of someone else’s opinion or statement. When you add “too” or “to” to the end of the sentence, you’re indicating that you had the same thought or opinion as someone else.
In English grammar, “too” is an adverb that means “also” or “very.” It’s used to indicate that something is excessive or extreme, or to show that something is happening in addition to something else. For example:
- I’m going to the party too. (meaning “also”)
- This cake is too sweet. (meaning “excessively”)
On the other hand, “to” is a preposition that indicates direction, movement, or action. It’s used to show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. For example:
- I’m going to the store. (indicating direction)
- I’m looking forward to the party. (indicating action or movement)
The Correct Phrase: “I Thought So Too”
Given the grammar behind the two words, it’s clear that the correct phrase is “I thought so too.” This phrase is used to express agreement or confirmation of someone else’s opinion or statement. The word “too” is used to indicate that you had the same thought or opinion as someone else.
For example:
- “I love that movie!” “I thought so too!” (meaning “I also loved that movie”)
- “I think we should go to the beach today.” “I thought so too, let’s go!” (meaning “I also thought we should go to the beach today”)
In both examples, “too” is used to indicate that you share the same opinion or thought as someone else.
When to Use “I Thought So Too”
Here are some scenarios where “I thought so too” would be the correct phrase to use:
- When expressing agreement with someone’s opinion or statement.
- When confirming that you had the same thought or idea as someone else.
- When showing empathy or understanding towards someone else’s perspective.
The Incorrect Phrase: “I Thought So To”
On the other hand, “I thought so to” is not a grammatically correct phrase. Using “to” instead of “too” changes the meaning of the sentence entirely.
For example:
- “I love that movie!” “I thought so to!” (this sentence doesn’t make sense and is grammatically incorrect)
Why “I Thought So To” is Incorrect
There are a few reasons why “I thought so to” is incorrect:
- “To” is a preposition that indicates direction, movement, or action, which doesn’t make sense in this context.
- “To” doesn’t convey the same meaning as “too,” which is used to indicate agreement or confirmation.
- Using “to” instead of “too” can change the tone and meaning of the sentence, making it unclear or confusing.
Common Mistakes and Exceptions
While “I thought so too” is the correct phrase, there are some common mistakes and exceptions to be aware of:
- Informal speech: In informal speech, you may hear people using “I thought so to” instead of “I thought so too.” However, this is still considered incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing or professional communication.
- Regional dialects: Some regional dialects may use “I thought so to” instead of “I thought so too.” However, this is not universally accepted and should be avoided in formal writing or professional communication.
- Idiomatic expressions: There are some idiomatic expressions that use “to” instead of “too,” such as “I’m looking forward to it” or “I’m going to the store.” These expressions are exceptions to the rule and should be used in context.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when expressing agreement or confirmation of someone else’s opinion or statement, the correct phrase to use is “I thought so too.” Remember that “too” is an adverb that means “also” or “very,” while “to” is a preposition that indicates direction, movement, or action.
By using the correct phrase, you can convey your message clearly and avoid confusion or misunderstandings. So the next time someone shares their opinion or statement, make sure to respond with “I thought so too!”
What is the correct phrase: “I thought so too” or “I thought so to”?
The correct phrase is “I thought so too”. This phrase is used to express agreement with someone else’s statement or opinion. It is a common idiomatic expression that is widely accepted and used in informal conversations.
The phrase “I thought so to” is not grammatically correct and is not commonly used in English language. It may sound similar to “I thought so too”, but the meaning is different and it can confuse the listener.
What is the origin of the phrase “I thought so too”?
The origin of the phrase “I thought so too” is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 17th century. During this time, the phrase “think so” was commonly used to express agreement or confirmation. Over time, the phrase “I thought so too” evolved as a way to add emphasis and stress to the agreement.
The phrase “I thought so too” is now widely used in informal conversations, social media, and even in formal writing. It is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts, from casual conversations with friends to formal agreements in business meetings.
Can I use “I thought so to” in informal conversations?
While it may be tempting to use “I thought so to” in informal conversations, it’s not recommended. The phrase is not widely recognized, and it may cause confusion or misunderstandings. Using the correct phrase “I thought so too” ensures that your message is conveyed clearly and accurately.
Moreover, using “I thought so to” may make you appear careless or unprofessional, especially in written communication. Stick to the correct phrase to avoid any confusion or miscommunication.
How do I use “I thought so too” in a sentence?
You can use “I thought so too” in a sentence to express agreement or confirmation. For example: “I thought the movie was amazing! I thought so too, didn’t you love the ending?” In this sentence, you’re expressing agreement with the person’s opinion about the movie.
You can also use “I thought so too” to add emphasis to your agreement. For example: “I thought the new policy was a great idea. I thought so too, it’s going to improve our productivity significantly.” In this sentence, you’re adding emphasis to your agreement and confirming that you share the same opinion.
Is “I thought so to” grammatically correct?
No, “I thought so to” is not grammatically correct. The phrase does not follow the rules of English grammar, and it does not make sense in the context of expressing agreement.
The correct phrase “I thought so too” follows the rules of English grammar, where “too” is an adverb that indicates agreement or addition. In contrast, “to” is a preposition that indicates direction or movement, which does not fit in the context of expressing agreement.
Can I use “I thought so too” in formal writing?
While “I thought so too” is commonly used in informal conversations, it’s not typically used in formal writing, such as academic papers, reports, or business proposals. In formal writing, it’s better to use more formal language and avoid idiomatic expressions.
However, if you’re writing a blog post, social media post, or an informal article, “I thought so too” can be an effective way to add a personal touch and express agreement with your audience.
What are some alternatives to “I thought so too”?
If you want to add some variety to your language, you can use alternatives to “I thought so too”. Some options include “I agree”, “I concur”, “I share your opinion”, or “I’m with you on that”. These phrases convey a similar meaning to “I thought so too”, but with a slightly different tone and emphasis.
Remember that the key is to be clear and concise in your communication. Choose a phrase that fits the context and tone of your conversation, and make sure it accurately conveys your intended meaning.