one can think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'one can think' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the ability to contemplate or consider something, or to introduce an idea or opinion. For example, "One can think that the changes made by the government are long overdue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No one can think of one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No one can think that it makes any sense to contemplate an eighth.

The Guardian

"Meanwhile the temperature is getting hotter and hotter so no one can think clearly.

The New York Times - Books

The game keeps going until no one can think of another themed word.

WikiHow

Explore your house and discover places that no one can think of.

WikiHow

Given Turkey's plight, one can think of worse.

The Economist

Signalling is as old as one can think of.

The New York Times

One can think of two objections to the shrewd point.

The New York Times - Books

He says, "One can think of processes, but back of it all?

The New Yorker

One can think of Florence during the Renaissance, for example, or Manchester during the Industrial Revolution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One can think of the solid as a sum of such sections, called indivisibles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one can think" to introduce a general perspective or a commonly held belief, but be mindful of the context; it can sometimes sound formal or detached.

Common error

Avoid using "one can think" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it might come across as stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I think" or "you could consider" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one can think" functions as a modal construction used to express possibility, suggestion, or a general opinion. It's often used to introduce a concept that is not necessarily a definitive fact but a plausible consideration. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

40%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one can think" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, although Ludwig indicates it appears more frequently in specific contexts. It serves to introduce a suggestion or general opinion but is best suited for neutral to formal settings, as overusing it in casual speech can sound unnatural. Alternatives such as ""it is possible to believe"" or ""one might assume"" may be more appropriate depending on the desired tone and audience. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible to believe

Changes the actor and softens the degree of assertion.

it is plausible to consider

Replaces "think" with "consider", adding a layer of deliberation and modifying the modality.

it stands to reason that

Shifts the focus to logical deduction and reasoning.

it's thinkable

Simplifies the structure, focusing on the possibility of the thought.

one might assume

Suggests a tentative supposition rather than a concrete thought.

it is reasonable to suggest

Introduces a suggestion based on rationality, altering the tone.

it's conceivable to imagine

Highlights the imaginative aspect of thinking about something.

it's arguable that

Frames the thought as a point open to debate, changing the function.

we could speculate

Emphasizes the speculative nature of the thought process.

one may surmise

Replaces "think" with "surmise", indicating a conclusion drawn from incomplete evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "one can think" to introduce a general opinion or a possibility, for example, "One can think that this policy change will have positive effects."

What are some alternatives to "one can think"?

Alternatives include "it is possible to believe", "it is plausible to consider", or "one might assume", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "one can think" formal or informal?

"One can think" leans toward the formal side. In informal settings, phrases like "I think" or "you could consider" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "one can think" and "I think"?

"One can think" presents a more general perspective, while "I think" expresses a personal opinion. Using "one can think" suggests the idea is not solely your own, whereas "I think" clearly attributes the thought to the speaker.