someone thinks that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "someone thinks that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a belief or opinion held by an unspecified person. Example: "Someone thinks that the new policy will improve productivity in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

If someone thinks that's unorthodox, that's fine -- and there's room for a lot of different things within the world of yoga.

The New York Times

And more importantly, if someone thinks that's a bad thing, why do I care?

Huffington Post

And whether someone thinks that's good or bad is entirely dependent on whether you agree with his stand on a variety of issues.

Los Angeles Times

If someone thinks that this is not enough, one can debate this, you understand.

The New Yorker

"Someone thinks that all happened because a wall fell down, without knowing why.

The Guardian - Sport

"If someone thinks that love and peace is a cliche that must have been left behind in the Sixties, that's his problem.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Did someone think that up during a bathroom break?

The New York Times

Someone thought that was a typo (it wasn't), and "Under the Moons of Mars" was bylined "Norman Bean" when it began its serial run in February 1912.

The Guardian - Books

I would only take issue if someone thought that indicated anything about my work".

The New York Times

Someone thought that teaching the animals to skydive would be a good way to do this.

The New Yorker

Someone thought that librarians and teachers were as important as bankers and lawyers.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "someone thinks that" when you want to attribute an idea to an unspecified person, avoiding making a sweeping generalization.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "someone thinks that" can sound vague in formal writing. Consider using a more specific subject or rephrasing to add clarity and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "someone thinks that" functions as an introductory clause, setting the stage for a statement of belief or opinion. It softens the assertion, attributing it to an unspecified individual rather than presenting it as a universal truth. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "someone thinks that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction to introduce a belief or opinion held by an unspecified individual. Ludwig confirms its validity and highlights its usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more specific phrasing in formal writing to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "it is believed that" or "someone believes that" may provide more precision depending on the intended meaning and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

someone believes that

A more direct and concise way of expressing the same idea.

it is someone's belief that

Emphasizes the personal conviction behind the thought.

it is someone's opinion that

Highlights the subjective nature of the thought.

a person considers that

Focuses on careful consideration leading to the thought.

someone presumes that

Indicates the thought is based on probability, not proof.

to someone, it seems that

Implies the thought is based on a feeling or appearance.

an individual supposes that

More formal and emphasizes a degree of uncertainty.

it is assumed by someone that

Highlights the assumption aspect of the thought.

it is perceived by someone that

Emphasizes the perception aspect of the thought.

an observer might think that

Adds an aspect of speculation about a thought of an external observer.

FAQs

How can I use "someone thinks that" in a sentence?

Use "someone thinks that" to introduce an opinion or belief held by an unspecified individual. For example, "Someone thinks that the new policy will improve workplace productivity."

What are some alternatives to "someone thinks that"?

Alternatives include "it is believed that", "one might say that", or "someone believes that", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to use "someone thinks that" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, using "someone thinks that" might lack the precision expected in academic writing. Consider attributing the thought to a specific source or rephrasing for clarity. You may want to use a more specific subject or rephrasing to add clarity and authority.

What's the difference between "someone thinks that" and "everyone thinks that"?

"Someone thinks that" indicates a belief held by a single, unspecified person, while "everyone thinks that" suggests a widespread or universal belief. The choice depends on the scope and accuracy of the claim you want to make.