it is thought that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is thought that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing an idea that is not proven, but is generally accepted by most people. For example: "It is thought that democracy is the best form of government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, it is thought that IS propaganda is evolving.

Vice

It is thought that the IS leadership has already fled.

BBC

It is thought that the dealumination was mainly caused by its self-adsorbed water.

Catalysis Today

It is thought that cyclostomes normally become unisexual at maturity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is thought that the weapon was legally held.

Independent

It is thought that the barrier protects the sperm cells.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is thought that true teeth developed from placoid scales.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is thought that stops us from killing each other.

Independent

And it is thought that I hope to promote.

The Economist

It is thought that the 1949 presidential election was fixed.

The New Yorker

It is thought that 40m Indians are looking for work.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is thought that", ensure the source of the thought is clear or can be inferred from the context. This adds credibility to the statement.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "it is thought that" in formal or academic writing. Instead, opt for stronger, more direct statements when evidence supports your claim. If not, use more precise hedging language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is thought that" functions as a hedging device. It introduces a statement as an opinion or belief, rather than a confirmed fact. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's used to present ideas that are generally accepted but lack definitive proof.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is thought that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce beliefs or opinions that are not definitively proven. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English, especially when discussing ideas generally accepted. It's frequently encountered in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While common, remember to be mindful of overuse in highly formal writing and ensure clarity regarding the source of the belief. Alternatives such as "it is believed that" or "the assumption is that" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is believed that

Emphasizes a stronger degree of conviction or widespread acceptance.

the thinking is that

Presents the idea as a commonly held viewpoint or perspective.

it is considered that

Suggests a more formal or official evaluation or judgement.

it is assumed that

Implies acceptance without concrete proof, often based on probability.

it is presumed that

Indicates a belief held as likely true until proven otherwise.

the assumption is that

Highlights the underlying supposition upon which a conclusion is based.

it is suggested that

Presents the idea as a possibility or a hint, with less force.

it is speculated that

Highlights the uncertainty and exploratory nature of the belief.

one theory is that

Introduces a proposed explanation, emphasizing its speculative nature.

it is rumored that

Indicates information that may not be entirely true, often spread informally.

FAQs

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

"It is thought that" suggests a less firm conviction than "it is believed that". "It is believed that" implies a stronger acceptance or faith in the idea, while "it is thought that" indicates a more tentative assessment.

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

You can use "it is thought that" to introduce an idea that is generally accepted but not definitively proven. For example, "It is thought that exercise improves mental health".

What are some alternatives to "it is thought that"?

You can use alternatives like "it is believed that", "it is considered that", or "the assumption is that" depending on the context.

Is "it is thought that" formal or informal?

"It is thought that" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more appropriate for situations where a degree of uncertainty or speculation is acceptable. In highly formal writing, consider stronger or more direct phrasing when possible.