I think that that

USAGE SUMMARY

'I think that that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the thought that you are expressing or to emphasize the words of another speaker. For example: "I think that that's the best option."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I prefer the original artefact, because I think, that: that was that moment in time.

Heritage Science

I think that that helps.

The Guardian - Books

I think that that is true.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now I think that that feeling is understandable.

The New Yorker

"I think that that kind of crept into the record".

The New York Times

"I think that that was wrong," she said.

The New York Times

"I think that that certainly has to happen," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

And so I think that that is the goal.

Harvard Business Review

I think that that is a reasonable conclusion to reach.

The New York Times

And I think that that can be healing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I think that -- that he changed over time.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I think that that" sparingly for emphasis. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or uncertain. Consider stronger alternatives like "I believe" or "I'm sure" for more impactful statements.

Common error

Avoid using "I think that that" when a simpler construction suffices. Often, "I think that" or even just stating the opinion directly is clearer and more concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I think that that" functions as a hedge or disclaimer, introducing a statement of opinion while also emphasizing a specific element within that thought. As Ludwig AI mentions, the repetition of "that" amplifies the importance of the idea being expressed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

28%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I think that that" is a grammatically correct construction used to emphasize a particular thought or idea. While it is common across various contexts, including News & Media and Academia, it's best used sparingly to avoid redundancy. As noted in the Ludwig AI analysis, this phrase serves to highlight a specific detail within an opinion, making it a useful tool for emphasis. Alternatives like "I believe that" or "in my opinion" can provide similar emphasis without the repetition, depending on the desired level of formality and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I believe that that

Focuses more on conviction rather than a simple thought.

My view is that

Clearly presents a personal stance or belief, streamlining the original phrase.

I feel that that

Emphasizes an intuitive sense or emotional response.

I consider that that

Highlights thoughtful consideration before forming an opinion.

I reckon that that

Introduces a more informal tone, suggesting a casual assessment.

I'm of the opinion that

Presents a formal way of expressing one's belief.

In my opinion

Provides a direct and clear statement of personal viewpoint, omitting the 'that' repetition.

From my perspective

States a viewpoint based on individual experience and understanding.

As I see it

Offers a subjective perspective on a matter, implying a personal interpretation.

It is my understanding that

Expresses a belief based on acquired knowledge or information.

FAQs

What does "I think that that" mean?

The phrase "I think that that" is used to emphasize a specific thought or idea. The repetition of "that" serves to highlight the particular point being made. It often indicates that the speaker wants to draw special attention to what they are saying.

When is it appropriate to use "I think that that"?

It's appropriate to use "I think that that" when you want to emphasize a particular idea or statement. It can also be used to reiterate or clarify a previously mentioned point. However, it should be used sparingly to avoid sounding repetitive.

Are there alternatives to "I think that that"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "I believe that", "I feel that", or simply stating your opinion directly without the repetition. The best choice depends on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "I think that that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I think that that" is grammatically correct, although it can sound somewhat redundant if overused. According to Ludwig, it can be used to emphasize the thought you are expressing or to emphasize the words of another speaker.