most people think

USAGE SUMMARY

"most people think" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you are making a statement based on the opinion of a majority of people, such as, "Most people think that summer is the best season of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Most people think not.

The Economist

Not soon, most people think.

The Economist

Most people think home entertainment is cheaper.

The New York Times - Tech

"Most people think everything is spicy".

The New York Times

Most people think of it as vandalism.

Independent

I think most people think of food.

The New York Times - Magazine

I tried harder than most people think.

The New Yorker

That's not what most people think.

The New York Times

Most people think: "Shit happens.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most people think the same.

The Guardian

"Most people think they are stars.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "most people think" when you want to introduce a common belief or assumption, especially if you plan to contrast it with another perspective or present evidence that challenges it.

Common error

Avoid using "most people think" as a substitute for actual data or research. If you're making a claim about what people believe, support it with evidence whenever possible to avoid making unsubstantiated generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most people think" functions as a discourse marker used to introduce a common belief or opinion. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used to set up a contrast with a different perspective or to lead into a more detailed discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most people think" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a common belief or assumption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's effective for framing arguments and establishing shared understanding, it's essential to avoid overgeneralization and support claims with evidence. Consider alternative phrases like "it is widely believed that" or "the general consensus is that" for more formal settings or when emphasizing different aspects of shared opinion. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, recognizing it is a strong claim of popular opinion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is commonly thought that

Similar to "most people think" but uses "commonly" to highlight the prevalence of the belief.

it is widely believed that

Replaces the direct reference to "people" with a more formal, passive construction indicating widespread acceptance.

the general consensus is that

Emphasizes agreement among a broad group, implying a more deliberative process than simply thinking.

the prevailing view is that

Suggests the existence of other viewpoints but emphasizes the dominance of the stated one.

people generally assume that

Highlights the assumption aspect, suggesting a lack of critical examination.

it's a common assumption that

Focuses on the idea as an assumption that many people share.

many believe that

Similar meaning but without assuming it's the majority, focuses on a substantial number.

there's a widespread perception that

Indicates a perception, potentially influenced by external factors, rather than independent thought.

the common wisdom suggests that

Implies a long-held, traditional belief, often passed down through generations.

it is understood that

A more understated way of conveying that something is generally accepted as fact.

FAQs

How can I use "most people think" in a sentence?

You can use "most people think" to introduce a widely held belief or opinion, for example, "Most people think that summer is the best time for vacations."

What's a more formal alternative to "most people think"?

Alternatives like "it is widely believed that", or "the general consensus is that" can provide a more formal tone. For instance, "The general consensus is that "renewable energy" is essential for a sustainable future."

How can I express a similar idea to "most people think" but with less certainty?

You can use phrases like "many believe that" or "it is commonly thought that" to suggest that a belief is widespread without necessarily implying it's held by the majority.

Is it always accurate to start a sentence with "most people think"?

While "most people think" is a common way to introduce an idea, it's important to ensure that the statement is actually reflective of widespread belief or supported by evidence. Otherwise, it can lead to overgeneralizations.