He thinks he was safe at last. vs He thinks he is safe at last

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'He thinks he was safe at last' implies that the thinking about safety occurred in the past, while 'He thinks he is safe at last' implies that the thinking is happening in the present. The choice between the two depends on the timeline of events being described.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 569 views

This phrase is correct and implies that the thinking about safety happened in the past.

"He thinks he was safe at last."

This phrase is used when describing a past event where someone believed they were safe at that time.

Show examples from the web [+]

He slipped underneath the gate and was safe at last in the wood outside.
My friend, you're safe at last.
The kid over here thought he was safe.
But he knew he was safe.
I think he believed me at last.
James was hiding in an abandoned garage bay, but if he thought he was safe there, he had another think coming.
Which was to make sure he was safe in the first place.
After about five or six years of this, he must have thought he was safe.
All this hysteria when he was safe and sound not 20 feet from this room.
And when I was sure he was safe, I cut him loose.
The night Colin's ransom got paid, I sat with his parents till morning just waitin' to hear he was safe.
yield to my prayers, - now that you are safe at last.
I covered for you, told them he was safe with you for the night, but he needs to come back.
Just a note from LJ saying he's with her, that he was safe.
So I was thinking if we could move Eva's ex out of Chino to another facility where he was safe, then that should probably get him off of Franny's back.
To feel... that he was safe.
She found out 30 seconds after he left that her daughter was safe at home.
You tell me my son is missing when I know he was safe a few hours ago?
We'll just, you know, figure out when the last time he was safe was and just, you know, go back.
First Lord thought he was safe, home free.

Alternatives:

He thought he was safe at last.

This phrase is correct and implies that the thinking about safety is happening in the present.

"He thinks he is safe at last"

This phrase is used when describing a current situation where someone believes they are safe at that moment.

Show examples from the web [+]

He is safe and sound with us.
I just hope he is safe and sound.
I must see for myself that he is safe.
He is safe, and he's not coming into WITSEC.
But this was never about that kid, he is safe under armed security at your house.
Henry is my family, and I am taking him where he is safe.
He sleeps so sweetly, like a child, imagining that he is safe.
Chuck may be sponsoring a performance, but it's only because in the dark with his mask on, he is safe to reveal his true self.
Find him and make sure he is safe
Although he is safe, we must replace him as soon as possible.
He is safe, but he's not with us, I'm afraid, Henry.
Find him and make sure he is safe
Singleterry flies in head first... and he is safe!
He does this... ...because sometimes he forgets that he is safe now.
He is safe, Your Majesty, which but for my intervention... he might not have been.
All that matters is that he is safe.
He is safe, but he's not with us, I'm afraid, Henry.
My friend, you're safe at last.
He slipped underneath the gate and was safe at last in the wood outside.
Thank goodness thou art safe at last!

Alternatives:

He believes he is safe at last.

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He thinks he was safe at last. vs He thinks he is safe at last