it is thought

USAGE SUMMARY

'it is thought' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement that expresses an opinion that is widely accepted but not necessarily proven or certain. For example: "It is thought that the first humans evolved in Africa."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is thought leadership at its best.

Huffington Post

It is thought likely that the Pres.

The New Yorker

It is thought Cartier himself restrung the necklace.

Independent

It is thought tickets will cost around £10.

Independent

OHL and Judlau, it is thought, have no such inclination.

The New York Times

It is thought that cyclostomes normally become unisexual at maturity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is thought he had lain dead for four days.

Independent

It is thought to contain almost no Ytterbium whatsoever.

The New York Times

It is thought it was hacked or at least spoofed.

Independent

It is thought that the weapon was legally held.

Independent

It is thought that the barrier protects the sperm cells.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is thought" to introduce an idea or opinion that is generally accepted but not definitively proven. This phrasing adds a layer of nuance, acknowledging that the statement is based on belief rather than absolute fact.

Common error

While "it is thought" is grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider replacing it with a more active construction when appropriate to strengthen your message, such as "many believe" or "research suggests."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is thought" primarily functions as an introductory device to present a belief, opinion, or supposition. As highlighted by Ludwig, it indicates that the following statement is based on a general understanding rather than a proven fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is thought" is a versatile phrase used to introduce ideas, opinions, or beliefs that are widely held but not definitively proven. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While it's a useful tool for conveying uncertainty, it's important to avoid overusing passive voice and consider stronger, more direct alternatives when appropriate. The phrase is generally neutral in tone, making it suitable for various writing styles. When using "it is thought", remember that you are presenting an idea based on general understanding rather than absolute fact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is believed

Replaces "thought" with "believed", suggesting a stronger conviction but maintaining a similar level of uncertainty.

it is considered

Uses "considered" instead of "thought", indicating a more formal or deliberate assessment.

it is assumed

Substitutes "thought" with "assumed", implying a presumption without concrete evidence.

it is supposed

Replaces "thought" with "supposed", suggesting a common expectation or rumor.

it is presumed

Uses "presumed" in place of "thought", indicating a belief based on probability or likelihood.

people think

Shifts from passive to active voice, making the source of the thought more explicit, changing the structure slightly.

it seems

Replaces the expression of a thought with an observation, indicating an appearance or impression.

one might think

Introduces a hypothetical thinker, softening the assertion and making it more tentative.

it's the general consensus

Highlights the collective agreement, emphasizing widespread acceptance rather than individual thought.

the prevailing view is

Focuses on the dominant perspective, suggesting a widely held opinion or belief.

FAQs

How can I use "it is thought" in a sentence?

Use "it is thought" to introduce a statement that represents a common belief or opinion, especially when there's no concrete proof. For example, "It is thought that exercise is beneficial."

What are some alternatives to "it is thought"?

You can use alternatives like "it is believed", "it is considered", or "it is assumed" depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is "it is thought" formal or informal?

"It is thought" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for academic writing, news articles, and professional communication. More informal alternatives include "people think" or "some say".

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

"It is thought" implies a belief or opinion, while "it is known" suggests a fact that has been verified or proven. Use "it is thought" when presenting an idea that's widely accepted but not definitively confirmed.