I either think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I either think" is not correct as it is incomplete and lacks a necessary complement to convey a clear meaning.
You can use it when presenting two or more options or thoughts, but it needs to be followed by a complete thought or choice. Example: "I either think we should go to the beach or stay home and relax."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

When I read Heloise, I either think, yes, what a great idea (to increase kitchen counter space, work on a cookie sheet that's been fitted into an open drawer), or I think, no, life is too short (to prevent an electric mixer from spattering, fit a shower cap over the bowl with a hole cut in it for the beaters).

The New York Times - Style

As a result, I either think about new things or make discoveries every day.

Science Magazine

I literally set my phone alarm to go off every hour or two, and I either think about or write about everything I love in my now and why I love it.

Forbes

As Jake summed up, "Guys, I don't mean to sound uncritical, but I either think you're doing a good job or I don't work closely enough with you on a daily basis to really have much to say.

TechCrunch

In using the word to be explained, I either think clearly everything I think when I use the defining expression: we then have the 'obvious circle'; or the defining expression has a more richly articulated sense, in which case I do not think the same thing in using it as I do in using the word to be explained: the definition is then wrong.

SEP

"First I either think my performance is good or bad.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I assume they either think they're being edgy or poetic.

Vice

TM: Usually, whatever people's particular political leaning is, they either think I'm just like them or the opposite.

Huffington Post

"I thought: Either I think I'm Jesus and I am, or I think I'm Jesus and I'm not, which would make me crazy.

Vice

I suppose they either thought there was something there, or they were willing me to fail.

The Guardian

Either thought was heartbreaking.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "I either think", ensure you complete the thought by providing two or more distinct possibilities or choices. For example, "I either think it will rain, or the sun will shine."

Common error

Avoid using "I either think" without specifying the alternative thoughts. This can leave the sentence unfinished and unclear. Always present all options you are considering. For example, don't just say "I either think...", but complete it with "I either think it's a good idea, or it needs more work."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I either think" functions as an incomplete introductory clause intended to present two or more alternatives. However, as noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically incomplete without explicitly stating the alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I either think" is used to introduce alternative thoughts or possibilities. However, it is considered grammatically incorrect if not followed by a complete articulation of those alternatives. As Ludwig AI points out, it is an incomplete thought that requires further specification. To improve clarity and grammatical correctness, consider using alternative phrases like "I tend to think" or rephrasing the sentence to directly present the alternatives. Although its usage appears mostly in News & Media and Science contexts, remember to always complete your thoughts for better communication. This phrase, while understood, may reduce the impact of your message due to its awkward grammatical standing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I tend to think

This suggests a habitual or common way of thinking about something.

I'm inclined to believe

This indicates a leaning towards a particular belief or opinion.

My opinion is that

This directly states the speaker's opinion on a matter.

I'm of the opinion that

This is a more formal way of stating one's opinion.

I'm under the impression that

This suggests a belief based on incomplete information or a general feeling.

I have a feeling that

This implies a belief based on intuition or instinct.

I speculate that

This indicates a guess or conjecture about something.

I consider that

This indicates that something is being taken into account.

I posit that

This suggests putting forward an idea or argument, especially for discussion.

It's my understanding that

This shows what has been understood based on information received.

FAQs

How can I properly use "I either think" in a sentence?

To correctly use "I either think", ensure you provide at least two options or thoughts you're considering. For example, "I either think we should go now, or we'll be late".

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "I either think"?

Consider using phrases like "I believe either", "I think either", or structuring your sentence to clearly present the alternatives without "I either think". For example, instead of saying "I either think it's right or wrong", you might say "I think it's "either right" or wrong".

Is it always necessary to use "I either think" when presenting alternatives?

No, it's not always necessary. You can often present alternatives more directly using constructions like "either this or that" without explicitly stating "I think".

What's the difference between saying "I think either" and "I either think"?

While both phrases aim to express alternatives, "I think either" typically implies that you are considering one of two options to be true or correct, while "I either think" is grammatically incorrect and requires restructuring to be clear. Example: "I think either option is viable" vs "Either I think we should go now or we should stay".