who would have thought that vs who thought that

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Who would have thought that' is used to express surprise or disbelief about something that happened, while 'Who thought that' is used to inquire about the person who had a particular thought or idea.

Last updated: April 08, 2024 • 276 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express surprise or disbelief about something that happened.

"who would have thought that"

This phrase is used to express surprise or disbelief about something that happened, often in hindsight. It implies that the outcome was unexpected.

Examples:

Who would have thought that she would win the competition?
Who would have thought that it would rain today?
Who would have thought that he would become a famous actor?

Show examples from the web [+]

I mean who would have thought that I'd ever cook anything?
You know, who would have thought that we'd find ourselves on a date again after all these years?
And who would have thought that all that is not enough?
But who would have thought that Donald Trump would become the catalytic agent?
After decades in the bedroom, who would have thought that the idea of dressing up like a howler monkey would be such a turn-on?
I mean, who would have thought that taking strange drugs from a cave doctor would have consequences?
But who would have thought that a rabbit could develop such a complex personality?
And who would have thought that scientists trying to cure malaria could come up with breakthroughs in biofuels?
And speaking of fresh - who would have thought that fish dishes are among the favorites in this high alpine valley?
But who would have thought that he would be so vengeful as to entrust his retribution to his son?
I mean, who would have thought that after all these years, you and I would be friends?
Who would have thought that a database entrepreneur could transform California with legislation?
Who would have thought that rhino could be so flirtatious?
Who would have thought that this plant with round leaves, inflated stems, and showy, lavender flowers would cause such havoc in these communities.
Who would have thought that Caputo had a turtle?
Who would have thought that two young guys and a start-up would beat out Google Video?
Who would have thought that the ethanol biofuel miracle would come from a developing country in South America?
Who would have thought that I'd find the celebrated Dr. Jekyll?
Who would have thought that the butterfly would flutter its wings a few times, fall to the ground and crawl.
Who would have thought that a tacky tourist souvenir could become such an evocative image?

Alternatives:

I never expected that
It's surprising that
I can't believe that
Who could have predicted that
Who would have imagined that

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to inquire about the person who had a particular thought or idea.

"who thought that"

This phrase is used to ask about the identity of the person who had a specific thought or idea. It seeks information about the thinker.

Examples:

Who thought that we should go on this trip?
Who thought that painting the room blue was a good idea?
Who thought that starting a business during a recession was a wise choice?

Show examples from the web [+]

My heart breaks for Wink who thought that was the best way out.
Take it from someone who thought that leaving would make it easier on everyone...
Those who thought that the euro could not survive have been repeatedly proven wrong.
I have never been one of those Europeans or French people who thought that we should be wary of our British friends.
Ford was a paternalist who thought that his employees did not need a union to receive better wages and working conditions.
Those who thought that network news would come to dominate all political discussion were proved wrong by the rise of talk radio, Fox news, and the internet.
The country should learn the truth of certain powerful captains who thought that the tax amnesty meant forgetting the crimes whose holders committed to make their fantastic fortunes.
I told Palmer that I had no business interest in Uncle Bill's but was a concerned citizen who thought that the city's tendency to punish buildings for crime was misguided.
I knew another lead singer who thought that Purple Haze was 'Scuse me while
In the olden days those who thought that leisure was harmful usually had an interest in the products of industry.
Do you have any idea what it's like to live with parents who thought that you were dead?
He introduced his remarks by reprising the argument between Albert Einstein, who wanted a comprehensible reality, and Niels Bohr, who thought that Einstein's concept of reality was too restricted.
The dual nature of light Hooke's explanation of light was soon rejected by Isaac Newton, who thought that light was made of particles (he called them "corpuscles").
You know, there once was a whole village who thought that their...
The answer lies in a clash between those in the administration who were committed to enforcing the red line, and military leaders who thought that going to war was both unjustified and potentially disastrous.
I had a chat with a producer recently who thought that the audience for LGBTQ-themed films was limited to only those who empathized with the issues.
We also condemn those who thought that the devil and all the ungodly would at some time be saved, and that there would be and end to punishments.
I knew another lead singer who thought that "Purple Haze" was"'Scuse me while I kiss this guy."
Those who thought that by committing terrorist acts and killing people, murdering teachers, sacrificing the lives of peasants and the lives of soldiers who are our strength, they had the hope of gaining some reward afterwards, those people feared death.
So I found a surgeon who thought that he would just do me a favour, palliative surgery, by taking out a portion of the tumour, and he did that and then sent me home to die.

Alternatives:

Who came up with that idea?
Who had that thought?
Who proposed that?
Who suggested that?
Who conceived of that?

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who would have thought that vs who thought that