is thought to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is thought to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce something that is believed to be true or commonly accepted. For example, "Mahatma Gandhi is thought to be one of the most influential leaders in modern history."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Saltwater is thought to be the culprit.

The New York Times

Capitalism itself is thought to be toxic.

The Economist

The FSA is thought to be reluctant.

The Economist

The story is thought to be untrue.

The Guardian - Music

Daily washing is thought to be unnecessary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Delirium is thought to be associated with systemic inflammatory response.

Journal of Critical Care

The varied clinical course is thought to be immune-mediated.

Journal of Clinical Virology

Problematic gambling is thought to be influenced by neurobiological mechanisms.

Psychoneuroendocrinology

Hyperinsulinemic insulin resistance is thought to be a key factor.

Fertility and Sterility

Estimated weight and height is thought to be inaccurate.

Australian Critical Care

The etiology of PNAC is thought to be multifactorial.

Pediatrics & Neonatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is thought to be" when you want to express an opinion or belief that is not definitively proven, especially when supported by some evidence or expert opinion.

Common error

While "is thought to be" is acceptable, avoid overusing passive voice constructions, as it can make your writing sound vague or less direct. Sometimes, restructuring the sentence to use an active voice can improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is thought to be" functions as a qualifying statement, introducing information that is considered likely or probable but not definitively proven. It's often used to present hypotheses or commonly held beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

30%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is thought to be" serves as a crucial tool in written and spoken English for expressing beliefs and opinions without claiming absolute certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When crafting your writing, remember that while "is thought to be" is a useful hedge, it's essential to avoid overuse and maintain clarity by occasionally opting for active voice constructions. By employing this phrase judiciously, you can convey nuance and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is believed to be

Emphasizes a stronger degree of confidence based on some evidence or widespread acceptance.

is understood to be

Suggests a generally accepted or implied understanding of something.

is considered to be

Highlights a formal assessment or evaluation leading to a particular conclusion.

is regarded as being

Focuses on how something is viewed or esteemed by others.

is deemed to be

Suggests a more official or authoritative judgment on a matter.

is recognized as being

Implies formal acknowledgement or established status.

is presumed to be

Indicates an assumption made in the absence of concrete proof.

is suspected to be

Implies a possibility or likelihood based on limited information, often in contexts of wrongdoing or problems.

is estimated to be

Uses numerical approximation or calculation, instead of direct observation, to assess something.

is rumored to be

Conveys information based on unverified stories or gossip.

FAQs

How do I use "is thought to be" in a sentence?

Use "is thought to be" to introduce a belief or opinion that is generally held but not definitively proven. For example, "The missing artifact "is thought to be" hidden in the ancient ruins".

What can I say instead of "is thought to be"?

You can use alternatives like "is believed to be", "is considered to be", or "is presumed to be depending on the context".

When is it appropriate to use "is thought to be"?

It's appropriate when presenting information that is an accepted theory or opinion, but lacks conclusive proof. It's common in academic, scientific, and journalistic writing.

What's the difference between "is thought to be" and "is known to be"?

"Is known to be" indicates a higher degree of certainty, suggesting that something has been proven or is a well-established fact. "Is thought to be", on the other hand, indicates a belief or opinion that may not be fully proven.