might think that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might think that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a possibility or assumption about someone's thoughts or beliefs. Example: "Some people might think that the new policy will improve productivity, but others disagree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You might think that huge staff smacked of old thinking.

The Guardian

You might think that is worth discussing.

Independent

You might think that would be easy.

The New York Times - Science

Some might think that is banter, but I don't.

Independent

You might think that makes bankers pretty selfish.

The New York Times

But he might think 'That McEnroe, I'll show him'".

Independent

Some might think that happened some years back.

The Economist

One might think that would make them easy to beat.

The Economist

You might think that art in cathedrals is all religious.

The Guardian - Arts

Obs: One might think that was a fantastic subject.

The Guardian - Books

You might think that would have gotten Mr. Liu's attention.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might think that" to introduce a perspective that contrasts with your own, creating a balanced argument. For example: "Some might think that the policy is too strict, but it's necessary for security."

Common error

Avoid using "might think that" without clarifying who "they" are. Always provide context to ensure clarity. For example, instead of saying "Some might think that it's too expensive," specify, "Analysts might think that it's too expensive."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might think that" functions as a hedge, softening a statement or opinion by attributing it to an unspecified group of people. It is used to introduce a perspective that may be debated or not universally accepted. As per Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might think that" is a commonly used phrase to introduce a potential viewpoint, often as a setup for a contrasting argument. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile. It is frequently found in news and media, carrying a neutral tone. While acceptable in various contexts, consider alternatives like "may believe that" or "could assume that" to adjust the level of certainty. To ensure clarity, always provide context about who "they" are when using this phrase. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "might think that" allows for more effective and balanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may believe that

Replaces "might" with "may", softening the level of certainty.

could assume that

Substitutes "might think" with "could assume", suggesting a slightly weaker inference.

one could imagine that

Uses "imagine" instead of "think", indicating a more speculative scenario.

it is conceivable that

Replaces the personal subject with an impersonal construction, increasing formality.

it's possible that they believe

Adds the subject "they" and explicitly states "believe", making it more specific.

perhaps they are under the impression that

Introduces a longer, more nuanced way of expressing the potential thought.

it is reasonable to assume that

Emphasizes the logic behind the assumption, making it seem more justified.

they might surmise that

Replaces "think" with "surmise", implying a more thoughtful conclusion.

it's conceivable they might consider

Uses "conceivable" to present something as possible and "consider" instead of "think".

it is not unreasonable to suggest

Presents the idea as a suggestion, implying a slightly weaker level of belief.

FAQs

How can I use "might think that" in a sentence?

Use "might think that" to introduce a viewpoint that others may hold, often followed by a contrasting or supporting argument. Example: "Some "might think that" this is a simple solution, but it has far-reaching consequences."

What are some alternatives to "might think that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "may believe that", "could assume that", or "it is conceivable that", depending on the level of formality and certainty you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "might think that" in formal writing?

"Might think that" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when presenting different perspectives or acknowledging potential objections. However, consider more formal alternatives like "it is reasonable to assume that" for increased gravitas.

What's the difference between "might think that" and "may think that"?

While both express possibility, "might" suggests a slightly lower probability than "may". "Might think that" implies a more speculative or less certain viewpoint compared to "may think that".