I think that when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I think that when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a personal opinion or belief about a specific situation or event that occurs at a certain time. Example: "I think that when the weather improves, we should plan a picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think that when people can't forgive, they're stuck.

The New York Times - Magazine

And I think that when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody.

The New Yorker

"I think that when you're from New York, you're ruined," she said.

The New York Times

I think that when you can do those things, it can be a powerful combination.

The New York Times

I think that when people get married, they don't actually get married.

The New York Times - Magazine

I think that when you write, on the other hand, you de-program yourself.

The New Yorker

"I think that when he was really tempted, O.K., the tempter was Toomey," he said.

The New York Times

I think that when people yearn now for John McCain it's a direct result of that.

The New Yorker

"I think that when you create a space of authenticity and openness, there's true, true respect".

The New York Times

"I think that when I photograph I have to feel empathetic," he said.

The New York Times

"I think that when somebody comes in contact with 'Play-Doh' he's going to feel very good".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the clause following "I think that when" clearly states the condition or event you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "I think that when". Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "In my opinion, when" or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I think that when" functions as an introductory clause, setting the stage for expressing a personal opinion or expectation about something that will happen in the future. As shown in the examples provided by Ludwig, this construction commonly introduces a dependent clause expressing a condition or circumstance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I think that when" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce a personal opinion or belief, often about a future event. Ludwig's analysis reveals it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a generally neutral to informal register. While acceptable in many situations, overuse should be avoided by utilizing alternatives like "I believe that when" or rephrasing for variety. The "aiResponseStatus" from Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity and widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I believe that when

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

I imagine that when

Replaces "think" with "imagine", indicating a more speculative consideration.

In my opinion, when

Adds a personal viewpoint more explicitly.

As I see it, when

Similar to "in my opinion", but emphasizes a personal interpretation.

From my perspective, when

Highlights that the statement is based on a personal viewpoint.

I anticipate that when

Changes the focus to anticipating a future event.

I expect that when

Implies a degree of certainty about the future event.

I predict that when

Suggests foretelling or forecasting.

My understanding is that when

Indicates the statement is based on current knowledge or information.

I've observed that when

Indicates the statement is based on personal observation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I think that when" to sound more confident?

For a more confident tone, consider using phrases like "I believe that when", "I'm confident that when", or "I'm certain that when", depending on the context. The phrase "I believe that when" shows a stronger conviction, for example.

Is it always necessary to include "that" after "I think"?

No, the "that" is often optional and can be omitted for a more concise sentence. Both "I think that when" and "I think when" are grammatically correct, but "I think that when" can provide slightly more emphasis. Use "I think when" to sound more natural.

When is it better to use "I believe that when" instead of "I think that when"?

"I believe that when" is suitable when expressing a deeply held conviction or belief based on strong evidence or personal experience. Use "I believe that when" if you want to stress that your opinion is based on something stronger than a mere thought.

What are some alternatives to "I think that when" for formal writing?

In formal writing, consider phrases like "It is my understanding that when", "From my perspective, when", or "Based on my analysis, when". These options provide a more professional and objective tone. Alternatives as "From my perspective, when" highlights a personal viewpoint but in a more formal way.