must think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must think" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a necessity or obligation to consider something. Example: "In order to solve this problem effectively, we must think critically about all possible solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Must think.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You must think.

The New York Times - Sports

They must think again.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its chiefs must think they are invulnerable.

The Economist

But Mr Clinton must think more widely.

The Economist

University presses must think of minimizing losses".

The New York Times - Books

He must think it's American football".

The New Yorker

"She must think she can handle it".

The New York Times - Magazine

Somebody must think it contains useful information.

The New York Times - Books

He must think we should be relieved.

The New York Times

Reading must think fondly of January.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to express a logical conclusion, you can use "must think". For expressing necessity, try with alternatives "have to consider" or "need to reflect".

Common error

Avoid using "must think" excessively in casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for more natural alternatives like "probably think" or "likely think" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must think" functions primarily as an expression of deduction or necessity. It indicates a logical conclusion based on available information or a required consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must think" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for conveying a logical conclusion or emphasizing the necessity of considering something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally correct and versatile across various contexts. While its register leans towards neutral and slightly formal, it finds frequent application in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discourse. To ensure effective communication, remember to consider whether an alternative like "should consider" or "probably think" may be more suitable depending on the specific situation. Overall, understanding its nuances allows for more precise and impactful expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

need to consider

Emphasizes the necessity of thinking about something, using "need to" instead of "must".

have to consider

Similar to "need to consider", highlighting the requirement to think about something.

should consider

Replaces "must" with "should", softening the obligation or necessity to think about something.

ought to consider

Similar to "should consider", but carries a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation or advisability.

need to realize

Emphasizes the necessity of understanding something, using "need to" instead of "must think".

have to realize

Similar to "need to realize", highlighting the requirement to understand something.

need to believe

Shifts the focus to believing something rather than just thinking about it.

have to believe

Similar to "need to believe", indicating a requirement to hold a certain belief.

should realize

Suggests a need for understanding or awareness, replacing "think" with "realize".

ought to realize

Similar to "should realize", but with a stronger sense of obligation to understand.

FAQs

How can I use "must think" in a sentence?

You can use "must think" to express a strong likelihood or a necessary consideration. For example, "He must think I'm stupid if he expects me to believe that" or "We must think about the consequences before we act".

What are some alternatives to "must think"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "should consider", "need to consider", "have to believe", or "should realize".

Is "must think" formal or informal?

"Must think" is generally considered neutral but can lean towards formal depending on the specific context. In very casual settings, it might sound slightly stiff, and alternatives like "probably think" may be more appropriate.

What does "must think" imply?

"Must think" can imply a logical deduction (e.g., "He must think it's okay if he hasn't called") or a necessary consideration (e.g., "We must think about the future implications").