Is thought to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Is thought to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a belief or assumption about something that is not definitively proven. Example: "The ancient artifact is thought to be over 2,000 years old, based on the materials used in its construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Saltwater is thought to be the culprit.

The New York Times

Capitalism itself is thought to be toxic.

The Economist

The FSA is thought to be reluctant.

The Economist

The story is thought to be untrue.

The Guardian - Music

Daily washing is thought to be unnecessary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Delirium is thought to be associated with systemic inflammatory response.

Journal of Critical Care

The varied clinical course is thought to be immune-mediated.

Journal of Clinical Virology

Problematic gambling is thought to be influenced by neurobiological mechanisms.

Psychoneuroendocrinology

Hyperinsulinemic insulin resistance is thought to be a key factor.

Fertility and Sterility

Estimated weight and height is thought to be inaccurate.

Australian Critical Care

The etiology of PNAC is thought to be multifactorial.

Pediatrics & Neonatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is thought to be", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the thinking or believing. This can enhance clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid overusing "is thought to be" in your writing, as it can make your sentences sound weak and indirect. Consider using active voice constructions for a more direct and impactful style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is thought to be" functions as a passive construction used to express an opinion, belief, or assumption without explicitly stating the source of the thought or belief. According to Ludwig AI, it's a common way to express uncertainty or speculation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

39%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is thought to be" is a versatile expression used to convey beliefs or assumptions that are not definitively proven. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse contexts. It is most prevalent in scientific and news reporting, making it valuable for expressing informed speculation. While "is thought to be" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, be mindful of overusing passive voice. Alternatives like "is believed to be" or "is considered to be" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Is considered to be

Emphasizes a more formal or widely accepted view.

Is believed to be

Highlights a belief, often without definitive proof.

Is presumed to be

Indicates an assumption made based on available evidence.

Is understood to be

Implies a general understanding or consensus.

Is rumored to be

Suggests information is based on unofficial sources or hearsay.

Is speculated to be

Indicates a conjecture or hypothesis.

Is estimated to be

Focuses on numerical or quantifiable approximations.

Is deemed to be

Implies a formal judgment or assessment.

Is suggested to be

Proposes a possibility based on some evidence.

Is suspected to be

Indicates a suspicion, often in contexts of wrongdoing or uncertainty.

FAQs

What does "is thought to be" mean?

The phrase "is thought to be" expresses an opinion, belief, or assumption that something is true or likely, but without definitive proof. It suggests a degree of uncertainty or speculation.

How can I use "is thought to be" in a sentence?

Use "is thought to be" when you want to convey that something is believed or assumed to be a certain way, but it is not a definitively proven fact. For instance: "The artifact "is thought to be" over 2,000 years old."

What are some alternatives to "is thought to be"?

Alternatives include "is believed to be", "is considered to be", or "is presumed to be", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is thought to be" instead of "is"?

Use "is thought to be" when you have an assumption or belief but lack concrete evidence. If you have solid evidence, it's better to use "is" to state a fact directly.