I think doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I think doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a personal opinion or belief about an action or activity that one is considering or reflecting on. Example: "I think doing yoga every morning has really improved my mental clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

And she's always been happiest, I think, doing it.

The New Yorker

"I think doing nothing would have sent a terrible message.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think doing so is a sign of sloth and laziness".

The New York Times

MS. CORNEJO: I think doing this show was a way to unify people and work together.

The New York Times

But I think doing something that is a manual scoreboard is great.

The New York Times - Sports

I think doing a second film together [Bright Star] has enhanced our relationship.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

I think: don't talk.

The New Yorker

Or at least I think do".

The New York Times

I think Doesn't it?

Huffington Post

And I think: do they?

Vice

"I thought: Did someone die?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I think doing" to express a tentative opinion or suggestion, particularly when you want to avoid sounding overly assertive. For instance: "I think doing a trial run would be a good idea."

Common error

Avoid using "I think doing" excessively in formal writing or presentations. Opt for stronger, more direct phrasing to convey confidence and authority. For example, instead of "I think doing further research is necessary", try "Further research is necessary".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I think doing" functions as a hedge, softening the assertion and indicating a personal opinion. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its frequent use in expressing suggestions or considerations across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I think doing" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for expressing opinions or suggestions with a degree of tentativeness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly found in "News & Media" and "Science", but its suitability can vary depending on the desired level of formality. For more assertive contexts, consider alternatives like "I believe doing" or direct statements without introductory phrases. Be aware of overuse, especially in formal writing, and choose phrasing that aligns with your intended tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I believe doing

Replaces "think" with "believe", suggesting a stronger conviction.

I feel that doing

Substitutes "think" with "feel", indicating a more emotional or intuitive perspective.

In my opinion, doing

Adds "in my opinion" for explicit expression of personal viewpoint.

As I see it, doing

Similar to "in my opinion" but implies a personal interpretation.

From my perspective, doing

Highlights that the statement is based on a personal viewpoint.

I would suggest doing

Replaces "think" with "suggest", implying a recommendation.

I consider doing

Emphasizes the act of considering an action.

My view is that doing

Directly states a personal viewpoint or assessment.

I'm of the opinion that doing

A more formal way of expressing a personal opinion.

It seems to me that doing

Indicates that something appears true based on available information.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I think doing" to sound more confident?

To sound more confident, consider alternatives like "I believe doing", "I recommend doing", or simply stating the action directly without the introductory phrase. For example, instead of "I think doing market research is important", say "Market research is essential".

Is it grammatically correct to say "I think doing"?

Yes, "I think doing" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's a valid way to express a personal opinion or suggestion. However, it's essential to consider the context and choose language that matches the desired tone and formality.

What are some alternatives to "I think doing" for academic writing?

In academic writing, you might prefer more formal alternatives such as "I propose conducting", "I suggest investigating", or "It is my contention that undertaking". These options convey a higher degree of certainty and scholarly rigor.

How does "I think doing" differ from "I believe doing"?

"I think doing" implies a more tentative or speculative opinion, while "I believe doing" suggests a stronger conviction or level of certainty. Choose the phrase that best reflects the strength of your opinion.