can think that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can think that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a belief or opinion that someone may hold about a particular idea or situation. Example: "Some people can think that success is solely based on luck, while others believe it requires hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But who can think that way now?

The New York Times - Travel

"I don't see how she can think that doesn't cause a conflict of interest," he said.

The New York Times

I can think that way until present circumstances intrude: my first glimpse of the Rodney King video.

The New York Times - Magazine

disk, and to simplify the proof we can think that is bigger than any input disk).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

(ii) Each is representable as for some half-plane (or equivalently, for some (large enough) disk, and to simplify the proof we can think that is bigger than any input disk).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"You can think that, based on some of the stuff you hear from fans.

Los Angeles Times

I'm grateful that I'm in a position where I can think that way.

Huffington Post

"If someone can think that way, they can be like me".

Huffington Post

We can think that far ahead, but Nadal can't afford to.

Huffington Post

No, we pretended that neocons can think, that old British imperialist boundaries would hold up under 21st Century political realities.

Huffington Post

We can think that selection against truncated, "dead-on-arrival" (DOA) copies should be weak because they are not transcribed, potentially immobile and shorter than full copies.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can think that" to introduce a viewpoint or opinion, ensuring it's followed by a clear and concise statement. This provides a solid framework for your argument or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "can think that" in excessively passive constructions. Instead of saying "It can be thought that...", opt for active phrasing like "People can think that..." for directness and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can think that" functions as a qualifying expression used to introduce a thought, belief, or opinion. Examples from Ludwig show it's frequently used to present different perspectives or possibilities. It's used to suggest that something is conceivable or within the realm of possibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can think that" is a versatile expression used to introduce thoughts, beliefs, or possibilities. According to Ludwig, it is deemed grammatically correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently across various sources, particularly in News & Media and Science. While the phrase is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from more precise language. Understanding its function and register helps in utilizing it effectively in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may believe that

Suggests a possibility rather than a definitive stance.

might consider that

Indicates a level of contemplation or evaluation.

could assume that

Implies making a presumption based on available information.

might speculate that

Conveys a sense of conjecture or guesswork.

it's conceivable that

Highlights the possibility or likelihood of something.

it is arguable that

Opens up space for discussion and differing opinions.

one might imagine that

Suggests a hypothetical or imaginative scenario.

one could surmise that

Infers something based on limited evidence.

it's understandable that

Acknowledges why someone holds a particular thought.

it is reasonable to suggest

Proposes an idea in a rational way.

FAQs

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

Use "can think that" to introduce a belief, opinion, or possibility. For instance, "Some people "can think that" success is solely based on luck" shows a viewpoint that may or may not be true.

What are some alternatives to "can think that"?

You can use alternatives like "may believe that", "might consider that", or "could assume that" depending on the context to express varying degrees of certainty or consideration.

Is it correct to say "can think that" in formal writing?

Yes, ""can think that"" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, ensure the tone and context align with the overall formality of your piece, and consider using more precise language if necessary.

What's the difference between "can think that" and "might think that"?

"Can think that" suggests a general possibility or acceptability of a thought, while "might think that" indicates a more uncertain or speculative consideration. The choice depends on the level of confidence or evidence supporting the thought.