ものと思っていた | Grammar

Structure

[verb (plain)] + ものと思っていた
[i-adj (plain)] + ものと思っていた
[na-adj な] + ものと思っていた
[noun の/だ] + ものと思っていた

Note: The clause before ものと states the past assumption; the full expression indicates it has since been contradicted. Variant: ものと思っていたが… / ものと思っていたのに… (often followed by a contrasting clause)

Description

The expression ものと思っていた is used to convey that the speaker was under the impression that something was the case, but it turned out to be different from what they believed. It expresses a past assumption or belief that has since been contradicted or corrected by reality.

The key nuance is that the speaker genuinely believed something to be true – often for a long time or as a matter of course – only to discover they were wrong. This gives it a tone of surprise, disappointment, or realization.

Structure

The clause before ものと states what the speaker believed, and the full expression ものとおもっていた思っていた frames it as a past, now-invalidated assumption.

。

I was under the impression that he would come.

、。

I had assumed the exam would be easy, but it was actually very difficult.

Usage notes

The clause before ものと takes the plain form of verbs, adjectives, or nouns (with だ/である for nouns and na-adjectives).
ものとおもっていた思っていた can also appear as ものだとおもっていた思っていた with an additional だ before と. Both forms are natural.
The expression often appears alongside phrases like じつ実は (actually), ところが (however), or のに (even though) to highlight the gap between the speaker's belief and reality.

、。

I assumed everyone knew, but many people didn't.

Compared to simply saying とおもっていた思っていた, the addition of もの adds a nuance of conviction – the speaker felt it was a given or a matter of course that something was true.

Examples

。

I was under the impression that she had already gone home.

、。

I assumed this work would be finished by next week, but it's not even half done.

。

I was under the impression that everyone in Japan studies English.

、。

I thought he knew that fact as a matter of course, but he didn't know anything.

、。

I was under the impression that the contract had already been finalized, but there were still procedures remaining.

。

I always assumed my parents would stay healthy forever.

、。

I was under the impression that store had closed down, but it was still open.

、らしい。

I assumed the two of them were on good terms, but apparently they hadn't been talking much.

。

I was under the impression that I'd be able to find a job once I graduated from college.

、。

I had assumed he would take it on, but I was turned down.

References

ものと思っていたBunpro