but I think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but I think" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that a statement is your opinion or what you believe is true. For example: "The weather is getting colder, but I think it will get even colder next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But I think so".

The New York Times - Sports

But I think otherwise.

The New Yorker

But I think not.

The New York Times

But I think it's perfect.

The New Yorker

But I think it's unconvincing".

Independent

But I think that's cheap.

The New Yorker

"But I think he's right.

The New York Times

"But I think it's doable".

The New York Times

But I think it's great".

The New York Times - Sports

But I think he's misguided.

Independent

But I think that's fine.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but I think" to politely introduce a contrasting opinion or to soften a disagreement. It can make your viewpoint seem less confrontational.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "but I think", as it can make your writing sound hesitant or repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "in my opinion" or "however I believe" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

"But I think" functions as a discourse marker, specifically a contrastive conjunction introducing a personal opinion or belief that may differ from a previous statement or general expectation. Ludwig provides many examples of such usage. It softens the disagreement or adds a personal perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but I think" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a personal opinion or belief, often in contrast to a previous statement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While widely used in news and media, it may be less appropriate for formal academic writing. Consider alternatives such as "however I believe" or "in my opinion" depending on the context and desired level of formality. Be mindful of overuse to maintain variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however I believe

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

yet I feel

Substitutes "think" with "feel", suggesting a more emotional or intuitive assessment.

in my opinion

A more formal way to introduce a personal viewpoint, emphasizing that it's a subjective assessment.

from my perspective

Highlights that the statement is based on a specific viewpoint or understanding.

as I see it

Indicates a personal interpretation or understanding of a situation.

but I assume

Replaces "think" with "assume", implying a less certain or more speculative opinion.

i would argue however

Presents a viewpoint with the intention of persuading or challenging an opposing idea.

I expect however

Implies that the statement is based on anticipation or expectation rather than firm belief.

personally I consider

Emphasizes the personal nature of the assessment.

my view is that

Introduces a personal viewpoint in a direct and straightforward manner.

FAQs

How can I use "but I think" in a sentence?

You can use "but I think" to introduce a contrasting opinion or belief after a statement. For example: "The movie was visually stunning, but I think the plot was weak."

What are some alternatives to "but I think"?

Alternatives include "however I believe", "in my opinion", or "from my perspective". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but". While some style guides discourage it, it is widely accepted in modern writing, especially for creating a contrasting effect. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase is often used at the beginning of sentences to introduce contrasting thoughts.

When should I avoid using "but I think"?

Avoid overusing "but I think" in formal writing or when you need to express a strong, confident opinion. In such cases, consider using more assertive phrases or providing direct evidence to support your claims. Use "however I believe" instead.