To think is to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To think is to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in philosophical discussions or arguments about existence and consciousness. Example: "In many philosophical debates, the statement 'To think is to be' emphasizes the connection between thought and existence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If to think is to be melancholy, to be melancholy is to think.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I like to think information is to be shared and communicated.

The New York Times

I used to think filial piety was to be near your parents and look after them.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

The answer to an item ultimately thought to be correct was to be marked on a computer-readable answer sheet.

BMC Medical Education

It might have been naïve to think Joba Chamberlain was supposed to be different.

The New York Times - Sports

I used to think fame was something to be envied.

Los Angeles Times

Try to think you are lucky to be able to talk.

WikiHow

Taking the time to stop and think, are considered to be a good investment.

BMC Medical Ethics

Sallie Krawcheck, Bernstein's research director, said, "The goal is to think deeply, to be creative, to be thought-provoking".

The New York Times

You have to think to yourself it's supposed to be that way.

The New York Times

Still, it is not impossible for something to be thought to be a triangle and not to be thought to be an isosceles and not to be thought to be a scalene triangle either (although of course, it still has to be thought to be either isosceles-or-scalene).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "To think is to be" in philosophical discussions or arguments about the nature of existence and consciousness to succinctly express the idea that thought is a prerequisite for being.

Common error

Avoid using "To think is to be" in everyday conversations or informal writing, as it can come across as pretentious or out of place. This phrase is most suitable for philosophical or academic discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “To think is to be” functions as a philosophical assertion. It posits a direct relationship between the act of thinking and the state of existence. Ludwig confirms its usability, particularly in philosophical contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In essence, “To think is to be” serves as a concise philosophical statement linking thought and existence. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage, particularly in philosophical or academic contexts. While grammatically sound, its frequency is rare, primarily appearing in news, scientific, and encyclopedic content. When considering alternatives, phrases like "thinking equates to existence" or "to think is to exist" can offer similar meanings. Remember, while profound, "To think is to be" suits formal discourse and should be avoided in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To think is to exist

Synonymous phrase, directly replacing "be" with "exist".

I think, therefore I am

A personal and more direct restatement of the core idea.

If one thinks, one is

Expresses the idea as a conditional statement.

Thinking equates to existence

Rephrases the concept with a more direct and assertive tone.

Consciousness implies being

Focuses on consciousness as the key element implying existence.

Cogito ergo sum

The original Latin formulation of the idea, adding a layer of historical and philosophical weight.

Existence is contingent on thought

Highlights the dependence of existence on the act of thinking.

The act of thinking defines existence

Emphasizes the defining role of thought in shaping existence.

Thought is the foundation of being

Presents thought as the fundamental basis for existence.

Being is predicated on thought

Uses more formal language to express the idea that existence is based on thought.

FAQs

What does "To think is to be" mean?

The phrase "To think is to be" is a concise expression suggesting that thought is a fundamental aspect of existence. It implies that the act of thinking confirms or validates one's being.

Is "To think is to be" grammatically correct?

Yes, "To think is to be" is grammatically correct. It follows a basic sentence structure with an infinitive phrase acting as the subject and "to be" as the verb.

Where does the phrase "To think is to be" come from?

The phrase "To think is to be" is a variation of the famous philosophical statement "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am) by René Descartes. It encapsulates the core idea of Descartes' argument.

What are some alternatives to "To think is to be"?

You can use alternatives like "thinking equates to existence" or "to think is to exist" depending on the context. The Latin phrase "cogito ergo sum" is also related.