かと思ったら・かと思うと
Meanings
- Then again
- Just when I thought
- No sooner than
About this pattern
Explanation
Used to express surprise that follows immediately after you thought one thing would happen; signals a rapid, often opposite, turn of events. The past form かと思ったら focuses on a past expectation, while かと思うと can refer to a present or future moment that happens right after the expectation. Common in narration when describing sudden developments.
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Example sentences
I thought it started raining, but it stopped right away.
I thought he would be late, but he arrived five minutes early.
I thought the child was fine, but suddenly developed a fever.
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More N2 patterns
to be able to; can; possible to do
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View detailsanyhow; at any rate; in any case; I have no doubt that; probably
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