i think therefore

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "i think therefore" is not correct as it should be capitalized as "I think therefore." It can be used in discussions about philosophy or reasoning, often as a lead-in to the conclusion that follows.
Example: "I think therefore I am, which suggests that the act of thinking is proof of one's existence."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was this thinking that led Descartes to proclaim: "I think, therefore I am".

Independent

I think, therefore I doubt.

The New Yorker

"I think, therefore I am".

The New York Times - Books

"I think, therefore I am": O.K.

The New Yorker

"You know: 'Cogito, ergo sum.' I think, therefore I am".

The New York Times

"I think therefore I am undermining myself," said Descartes' sister.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I Think, Therefore I Shop Museum for Applied Art, Frankfurt.

The New York Times - Arts

Is it true that "I think, therefore I feel"?

The New Yorker

I think therefore he won't be very sympathetic".

Independent

On Mr. Jensen's backpack was a button with the words, "I think, therefore I'm dangerous".

The New York Times

Discarding everything he wasn't certain of He said 'I think therefore I am a rhubarb tart'.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I think therefore" to introduce a logical conclusion, ensuring the "I think" portion reflects genuine contemplation, not mere opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "I think therefore" as a conversational filler. Ensure it introduces a conclusion genuinely derived from preceding thought, not just a weak assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I think therefore" functions as a discourse marker, explicitly signaling a connection between a stated premise and the subsequent conclusion. It is commonly used to introduce a logical inference based on one's own reasoning. As Ludwig suggests, the phrase is widely used even though it may not be grammatically correct in every context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I think therefore" is a common way to introduce a conclusion based on personal reasoning. While it may not always be grammatically perfect, its widespread usage across diverse sources such as news, science, and encyclopedias makes it acceptable in many contexts. Ludwig highlights that it functions as a discourse marker, signaling a logical inference. However, it's essential to ensure that the phrase is used to introduce a genuine conclusion, rather than just as a filler. For more formal or objective contexts, alternatives like "hence, I conclude" or using "therefore" alone, may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Therefore, my view is

Directly states a personal view derived from a preceding thought.

Hence, I conclude

Suggests a formal deduction; a conclusion based on evidence.

From this, I gather

Suggests collecting and understanding information that leads to a conclusion.

Thus, I reason

Highlights the reasoning process leading to a statement.

Based on this, I determine

Suggests a firm determination after considering the evidence.

Consequently, I believe

Emphasizes a belief that arises as a result; a consequence.

For this reason, I deem

Formal way to express judgment based on a stated reason.

Accordingly, I infer

Indicates an inference drawn from given information.

It follows that I consider

Implies a logical consequence leading to a consideration.

In light of this, I surmise

Indicates a guess or conjecture based on available information.

FAQs

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

Use "I think therefore" to connect a premise or observation to a logical conclusion. For example: "I have studied the data, I think therefore I can make an informed decision."

What's a more formal alternative to "I think therefore"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "hence, I conclude", or "thus, I reason", which emphasize a logical deduction based on evidence.

Is it always necessary to include 'I think' before 'therefore'?

No, using "therefore" alone is often sufficient and can sound less repetitive. The "I think" emphasizes personal reasoning, but it's not grammatically required for the sentence to make sense.

How does "I think therefore" differ from simply using 'therefore'?

Adding "I think" highlights the subjective nature of the conclusion, indicating it's based on personal reasoning or belief. Using 'therefore' alone implies a more objective, logical consequence.