i think them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "i think them" is not correct in standard written English due to the lowercase "i" and the lack of context.
It could be used in informal contexts, but it requires additional context to clarify what "them" refers to. Example: "I think them capable of achieving great things."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"I think them getting Rasheed is a great thing.

The New York Times - Sports

MR. MARS I think them in French, but they always come out in English.

The New York Times

"As the game got on, I think them being such an aggressive team, it got them frustrated.

The New York Times

"I paint forms as I think them, not as I see them," Picasso said.

The New Yorker

I think them being similar helps the team not go through any drastic changes.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think them closing the track for Smarty Jones to train is pretty neat," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

I thought them to be idiotic preferences".

The New Yorker

Had I thought them worthy.

The Guardian - Film

I thought them kind of silly.

Huffington Post

(Not that I catch them, but I think of them).

The New York Times - Sports

I think of them often.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a group, use "I think they are..." to ensure correct grammar and clarity. This construction avoids potential misinterpretations and aligns with standard English usage.

Common error

Avoid using "them" as a subject. Instead, use the pronoun "they" followed by an appropriate verb. For example, instead of saying “I think them are ready”, say “I think "I think they are" ready”.

Linguistic Context

The phrase is intended to function as an expression of opinion or belief. However, it deviates from standard English grammar. The expression attempts to convey a subjective assessment, similar to stating “I believe they are…”, as Ludwig points out.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Huffington Post

29%

The New York Times

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "I think them" appears in a number of sources, it's grammatically questionable. Standard English prefers "I think they are" or alternatives like "I believe them" to express your opinion. Ludwig AI highlights the phrase’s non-standard nature, recommending alternatives for clarity and grammatical correctness. Usage analysis shows it's most common in News & Media contexts, yet careful writers should opt for more conventional phrasing to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I believe them

Replaces "think" with "believe" for a more grammatically sound expression of acceptance or trust.

I consider them

Uses "consider" to indicate a thoughtful evaluation or opinion about a group.

I find them

Employs "find" to express a subjective judgment or perception about others.

I deem them

Substitutes "deem" for a more formal declaration of judgment or opinion.

I judge them

Replaces "think" with "judge" to express an assessment or evaluation.

I regard them

Uses "regard" to show consideration or respect in one's opinion.

I view them

Substitutes "view" for expressing an observation or opinion from a specific perspective.

I perceive them

Replaces "think" to indicate awareness or understanding gained through the senses.

My opinion of them

Restructures as a noun phrase focusing on the subjective opinion.

My assessment of them

Transforms the expression to emphasize an evaluation or judgment.

FAQs

What is the correct way to express my opinion about a group of people?

Instead of saying "I think them", use "I think they are" followed by an adjective or description. For example, “I think they are capable” is grammatically correct.

What can I say instead of "I think them" to sound more natural?

Alternatives include “I believe they are”, “I consider them to be”, or simply “"I think they are"” depending on the context.

Is "I think them" grammatically correct?

No, "I think them" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The correct form is “"I think they are"”.

What is the difference between "I think them" and "I think of them"?

"I think of them" means you are contemplating or remembering them, while "I think them" (though grammatically incorrect) is likely intended to express an opinion or belief about them. It's better to use "I think they are" in this case.