might be thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing perceptions, opinions, or interpretations that are not definitive but are possible or plausible. Example: "This theory might be thought to explain the observed phenomena in a new light."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A harmless eccentricity, it might be thought.

The Economist

As expected, they might be thought as ideal chemical probes.

Chinese Chemical Letters

Hence, LMNA might be thought of as a 'lumper' gene.

Trends in Molecular Medicine

It might be thought there was little left to say.

The Economist

This tactic is older than might be thought.

The Guardian - Books

It might be thought that they represent Banks's own values.

The Guardian - Books

Views of this kind might be thought to be in tension with hate speech regulation.

University of California, Berkeley

In that sense, it might be thought that we often break down.

Yale University

This might be thought of as the "Where were you when... .. phenomenon.

Cornell University

It might be thought that a one-point gain is better than nothing.

The New York Times

But the internet now permits what might be thought of as microphilanthropy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might be thought" to introduce a perspective or opinion that is not necessarily universally accepted but is worth considering. It adds a layer of nuance and encourages thoughtful engagement with the topic.

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on "might be thought" in argumentative essays. While it's useful for introducing alternative viewpoints, overuse can weaken your own argument. Balance it with more assertive statements and stronger evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be thought" functions as an epistemic modal, indicating a possibility or a perspective that someone could hold. It serves to introduce a viewpoint without necessarily endorsing it, adding a layer of nuance and tentativeness to the statement, aligning with Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

28%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "might be thought" is a versatile epistemic modal used to introduce possibilities, perspectives, or opinions in a non-assertive manner. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. Alternatives like "could be considered" or "may be perceived as" offer similar shades of meaning, but "might be thought" often implies a more deliberate process of reflection. While it is useful for softening claims, overuse in argumentative writing can weaken your own points. Overall, "might be thought" is a valuable tool for nuanced communication, adding depth and encouraging thoughtful engagement as reported by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible to think

Directly states the possibility of a particular thought or idea.

could be considered

Replaces "might" with "could", suggesting a slightly lower degree of possibility or a more general consideration.

may be perceived as

Shifts the focus to perception and possibility, implying an interpretation or viewpoint.

can be viewed as

Emphasizes the ability to interpret something in a certain way.

one could argue

Introduces a potential argument or perspective, framing it as a debatable point.

it is conceivable that

Highlights the conceivability or imaginability of a situation or idea.

it is plausible that

Focuses on the plausibility or believability of a statement or scenario.

it is reasonable to assume

Suggests a logical basis for making an assumption or drawing a conclusion.

it is understandable that

Emphasizes the comprehensibility or explicability of an event or situation.

one may infer

Focuses on the act of drawing a conclusion based on available information.

FAQs

How can I use "might be thought" in a sentence?

"Might be thought" is used to introduce a perspective or idea that is possible but not definitive. For example, "This approach "might be thought" to be more effective, but further research is needed."

What can I say instead of "might be thought"?

You can use alternatives like "could be considered", "may be perceived as", or "can be viewed as" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "might be think" instead of "might be thought"?

No, "might be think" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""might be thought"", where "thought" is the past participle of the verb "think".

What's the difference between "might be thought" and "might be believed"?

"Might be thought" implies a process of consideration or reasoning, while "might be believed" suggests an acceptance of something as true without necessarily involving deep analysis. They both convey possibility, but with slightly different nuances.