people think

USAGE SUMMARY

"people think" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to introduce an opinion or idea that is shared by a group of people. Example: People think that summer is the best season of the year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some people think so.

The New York Times

"So people think, 'O.

The New York Times

People think it's funny.

The New Yorker

People think it's easy.

Independent

People think that's admirable.

The New York Times - Sports

People think S. B.

The New York Times

Most people think not.

The Economist

People think it's acceptable.

Independent

Many people think so.

University of California, Berkeley

What do people think?

Yale University

People think he is honest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "people think" to introduce a common belief or perspective, especially when you want to show that an idea is widely held but not necessarily proven or universally accepted.

Common error

Be careful not to assume that "people think" something when it's only a specific group. Qualify the statement with "many people think" or "some experts think" to avoid misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "people think" functions as an introductory clause to express a common belief, opinion, or perception held by a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a widely used expression. Examples show it in diverse contexts to introduce various viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "people think" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to introduce a widely held belief or opinion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for neutral contexts, spanning from news and media to academic discussions. When using "people think", remember to qualify the statement to avoid overgeneralizations and consider alternatives like "it is believed" or "the general opinion is" for nuanced communication. While very frequent in News & Media, the presence in academic contexts confirms its versatility. Ludwig can help you explore more contexts and refine your usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most people believe

More direct and emphasizes the act of believing over simply thinking.

the public thinks

Specifically refers to the opinion of the general populace.

it is widely thought

Similar to the original but uses "thought" instead of "think", adding a slightly more passive tone.

there's a widespread view

Emphasizes the breadth of agreement on a particular idea.

it is generally believed

Replaces the direct subject "people" with a more formal impersonal construction.

the prevailing opinion is

Stresses the dominance of a particular viewpoint.

the common perception is

Focuses on the prevailing view or understanding rather than the act of thinking.

the general consensus is

Indicates a broader agreement, often after discussion or debate.

it's a common assumption

Highlights that the idea may not be based on concrete evidence.

it is understood that

Suggests a widely accepted but perhaps unspoken agreement.

FAQs

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

Use "people think" to introduce a widely held opinion or belief. For example, "People think that summer is the best time for vacation".

What phrases are similar to "people think"?

Alternatives include "it is believed", "it is thought", or "the general opinion is", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "person thinks" instead of "people think"?

While "person thinks" is grammatically correct, it refers to a single individual's thought. "People think" is used when referring to a collective or widespread belief.

What's the difference between "people think" and "people know"?

"People think" suggests an opinion or belief, while "people know" implies a fact or established truth. Use "people know" only when the information is verified and widely accepted as factual.