people often think

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "people often think" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to introduce a commonly held belief or opinion among a group of people. For example: "People often think that success is measured by wealth and fame, but I believe true success is measured by happiness and fulfillment." "Many people often think that introverts are shy and anti-social, but in reality, introverts simply prefer solitude and have strong inner lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People often think journalists lack empathy.

The Guardian

People often think of Japan as an indebted country.

The Economist

"People often think it's a sexual thing," Ms. Muise said.

The New York Times

"People often think that new is better," she said.

The New York Times

"People often think they can dispense with things," Csikszentmihalyi said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

People often think that high intelligence is a prerequisite.

The New York Times - Science

"People often think I come here for relaxation, but it's actually the opposite," he said.

The New York Times

"People often think that youth sports is simple, but it's actually very complex," observes Thompson.

The New York Times

Contrary to what people often think, it's actually a very accessible form.

The New York Times - Arts

"People often think that contemporary music is elitist and out of touch," says Barley.

The Guardian

People often think of a jet engine as a cold, lifeless thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "people often think", follow it with evidence or a counter-argument to make your writing more persuasive and credible.

Common error

Avoid using "people often think" without specifying which people or providing context. Vague statements can weaken your argument. For more impact, clarify the group or situation you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "people often think" serves as a preface to introduce a common belief, assumption, or misconception. It sets the stage for a subsequent argument or counterpoint. Ludwig shows many examples in news media, academic articles, and blogs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "people often think" is a versatile phrase used to introduce common beliefs or assumptions before presenting a counter-argument or alternative perspective. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in diverse contexts such as News & Media and Science. To enhance clarity and impact, avoid overgeneralization by specifying the group or context and be prepared to provide supporting evidence. The absence of contradictions in grammar, style, and tone is a strong indicator of its consistent appropriateness. Finally, "people often think" is generally neutral, fitting diverse levels of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly, people believe

A more direct rephrasing, emphasizing the action of believing among a group.

it is commonly believed that

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance of an idea, similar to "people often think".

it's a common misconception that

Highlights a belief that is widely held but often incorrect, implying a contrast with reality.

many assume that

Focuses on the act of presuming something to be true, aligning with the idea of a common, perhaps unverified, belief.

it is generally assumed that

Highlights widespread acceptance but suggests a level of uncertainty or lack of proof.

the prevailing view is that

Indicates a dominant perspective or opinion, fitting the context of "people often think".

a widespread belief is that

Stresses the extent to which a belief is shared among a population.

it's a popular notion that

Emphasizes the popularity of an idea, suggesting it's well-known but not necessarily accurate.

the general consensus is that

Implies a collective agreement or shared understanding among people.

the public often perceives

Focuses on perception, indicating how people interpret or understand something.

FAQs

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

Use "people often think" to introduce a common belief or assumption, often one that you intend to challenge or provide an alternative perspective on. For instance, "People often think that success is all about money, but I believe it's about happiness."

What are some alternatives to "people often think"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is commonly believed that", "many assume that", or "the prevailing view is that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "individuals often think" instead of "people often think"?

Yes, "individuals often think" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning. However, "people often think" is generally more common and natural-sounding in everyday conversation and writing. See more on the nuance on "individuals often think".

When should I avoid using "people often think"?

Avoid using "people often think" when you need to be precise about who holds the belief. In such cases, specify the group (e.g., "scientists often think", "historians often think") for greater accuracy. Otherwise, avoid overgeneralization.