I do not think so

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of sentence "I do not think so" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you disagree with something that has been said, and want to express that you do not share the same opinion. For example: Person 1: "I think we should increase our budget for marketing." Person 2: "I do not think so, we need to focus on optimizing our current resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

I do not think so".

The New York Times

Actually, I do not think so.

Harvard University

OBERHAUSER: I do not think so.

Yale University

Looking back, I do not think so.

The Guardian - Arts

"I do not think so, either".

The New Yorker

His response was: "I do not think so!

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

i don't think so.

University of California, Berkeley

"I don't think so," I said.

The New York Times

So I don't think so.

The New Yorker

"I don't think so," Polina said.

The New Yorker

JOHN SEABROOK: I don't think so.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I do not think so" to politely express disagreement or doubt without being confrontational.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "I do not think so" as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your expressions of disagreement by using alternatives such as "I'm not so sure" or "I have my doubts."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I do not think so" functions as a declarative statement expressing disagreement or doubt. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. Examples include responses to questions or statements where the speaker holds a differing opinion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

31%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I do not think so" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express disagreement or doubt in a polite way. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is found frequently in news and media and academic contexts, as well as in science. While "I don't think so" is more informal, "I do not think so" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various settings. To avoid redundancy, consider using alternatives such as "I disagree" or "I'm not so sure".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I don't believe so

Uses "believe" instead of "think" maintaining a similar level of certainty.

I disagree

A more direct way to express disagreement.

I doubt it

Expresses skepticism about a statement or possibility.

I'm not so sure

Indicates uncertainty or mild disagreement.

I wouldn't say that

A polite way of expressing disagreement.

That's not how I see it

Highlights a difference in perspective or opinion.

I have my doubts

Implies a lack of conviction or certainty.

I'm of a different opinion

Formally states a differing viewpoint.

I beg to differ

A more formal and sometimes stronger expression of disagreement.

I am not convinced

Expresses a lack of belief or persuasion.

FAQs

How can I use "I do not think so" in a sentence?

Use "I do not think so" to politely express disagreement or doubt. For example, if someone suggests a plan you disagree with, you could respond with "I do not think so, that approach might not work".

What phrases are similar to "I do not think so"?

You can use alternatives like "I don't believe so", "I disagree", or "I'm not so sure", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I do not think so" or "I don't think so"?

"I don't think so" is more common in informal conversation, while "I do not think so" is slightly more formal but both are correct and widely used.

When should I avoid using "I do not think so"?

Avoid using "I do not think so" in situations where a direct and assertive disagreement is required. In such cases, phrases like "I disagree" or "That's incorrect" may be more appropriate.