I think based on

USAGE SUMMARY

"I think based on" is a correct phrase to use in written English.
It is often used when you are referencing something you have seen, heard, or read, and then stating your opinion on the matter. For example: "I think based on the evidence that was presented, the defendant is innocent of the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Google is making $40bn profit a year – I think – based on advertising by linking to stuff.

The Guardian - Tech

"I think, based on my reading of the situation, that they should all resign".

The New York Times

But I think, based on last year and this season, I've earned some respect around the league".

The New York Times - Sports

Such reservations were, I think, based on a misreading; Heaney was never an apologist for violence, despite the seeming drift of the much-quoted lines about "conniving" in civilised outrage, while understanding "the exact / and tribal, intimate revenge".

Independent

"But, you know, it takes a very talented filly to compete with the boys, and I think, based on a couple of her wins, it certainly suggests that she could do that".

The New York Times - Sports

Kristin Olsen: I think it's a positive if, and it's a big if, and I think based on my experience of the Democratic party is they do a much better job of it than the Republican party.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

I thought, based on what I saw on TV, I would get bombed constantly when I traveled on the roads.

The New York Times

She went on, "In fact, I thought, based on all the evidence I had, that it was based on religion.

The New Yorker

"I thought, based on all the evidence I had, that it was based on religion," she told me.

The New Yorker

Maybe newlyweds, I thought, based on the wee bit of air space between their bodies as they walked toward Park Avenue.

The New York Times

As I explained in a recent letter to Ranking Member Feinstein, my memo was narrow in scope, explaining my thinking on a specific obstruction-of-justice theory under a single statute that I thought, based on media reports, the special counsel might be considering.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I think based on" when you want to clearly state that your opinion or belief is derived from specific information or evidence, ensuring a logical connection between your thought and its basis.

Common error

Avoid using "I think based on" excessively in your writing. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement and prevent your text from sounding repetitive or formulaic. Consider using alternatives like "in my view", "given the evidence" or "from what I gather".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I think based on" functions as a discourse marker, explicitly linking a speaker's opinion or belief to the information upon which it is founded. It's a common way to preface a statement, indicating a logical connection, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I think based on" is a commonly used phrase that serves to link an opinion or belief to its foundational information. According to Ludwig, it's considered grammatically correct and versatile across different contexts, although neutral in register. Predominantly found in news media, academia, and scientific writing, it helps to clearly establish a rationale for the speaker's viewpoint. Keep in mind to use it sparingly to avoid redundancy, as suggested in the writing guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In my opinion based on

Adds a personal perspective while still relying on external information.

I believe based on

Similar to "I think", but conveys a stronger sense of conviction.

I infer based on

Emphasizes the process of drawing a conclusion from evidence.

My conclusion based on

Focuses on the resulting conclusion rather than the thought process.

I assume based on

Suggests a less certain conclusion, more of an educated guess.

From what I understand

Highlights that the opinion is based on personal understanding.

Based on my understanding

Similar to the previous, but placing emphasis on the base of the understanding.

Given the evidence

Focuses on the evidence as the primary reason for the opinion.

Considering the facts

Stresses the factual basis for the opinion.

Drawing from

Emphasizes the act of gathering information to form an opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "I think based on" in a sentence?

Use "I think based on" to express an opinion derived from specific information. For example, "I think based on the latest reports, the company will likely exceed its projected earnings."

What phrases are similar to "I think based on"?

You can use alternatives such as "in my opinion based on", "I believe based on", or "I infer based on" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I think based on" or "based on I think"?

"I think based on" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Based on I think" is grammatically awkward and not typically used.

What is the difference between "I think based on" and "I believe based on"?

"I think based on" implies a more tentative opinion, while "I believe based on" suggests a stronger conviction. The choice depends on the level of certainty you wish to convey.