think as

USAGE SUMMARY

"Think as" is not a correct phrase when used in isolation in written English, but it can be used as part of a longer phrase such as "think as if".
For example, "Think as if you are the boss and you have to make a tough decision."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You don't think as much".

The Guardian - Sport

It makes one think as well.

The New York Times

I think as hard as I can.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I don't care what people think as much.

Independent

Think as big as you can.

Science Magazine

Can they think as fast?

Los Angeles Times

You're not going to think as well, you're not going to think as deeply".

Huffington Post

Think as creatively as you can, experts said.

Los Angeles Times

You may not think as quickly on your feet.

HuffPost

Think as much solutions as possible.

WikiHow

Think as long as you want.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey a way of thinking that mirrors another person or role, use "think like" rather than "think as". For example, "Think like a detective" is clearer and more grammatically sound.

Common error

Avoid using "think as" as a standalone phrase. Instead, restructure your sentence to include a comparative element, such as "think as if" or "think as though", or opt for a more direct synonym.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think as" functions primarily as part of a comparative construction. Ludwig indicates that it is not grammatically correct when used in isolation. It is often used incorrectly when the intention is to encourage someone to adopt a specific mindset or perspective.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

25%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "think as" appears across various sources, its grammatical correctness is questionable when used in isolation. Ludwig AI identifies it as not a correct phrase by itself. It's often misused when a comparison is intended, and alternatives like "think like" are generally clearer and more grammatically sound. When using this phrase, consider whether you aim to draw a comparison and restructure accordingly. Its prevalence in News & Media and Wiki sources indicates its presence in general language, but careful attention should be paid to grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imagine as

Replaces "think" with "imagine", focusing on visualization rather than cognitive processing, resulting in a slight shift in meaning.

view as

Replaces "think" with "view", suggesting a particular perspective or opinion, somewhat interchangeable but with a slightly different emphasis.

perceive as

Substitutes "think" with "perceive", highlighting sensory input and interpretation, altering the nuance of the original phrase.

regard as

Changes "think" to "regard", indicating a more formal or considered judgment, changing the tone.

consider as

Uses "consider" instead of "think", emphasizing a deliberate thought process, making the expression more formal.

deem as

Substitutes "think" with "deem", suggesting a formal assessment or judgment, altering the context and register.

judge as

Replaces "think" with "judge", implying a formal evaluation or opinion, thus changing the intended meaning.

believe as

Changes "think" to "believe", indicating a stronger conviction or faith, affecting the intensity of the expression.

assume as

Substitutes "think" with "assume", indicating a presumption or supposition, which shifts the nuance from contemplation to assumption.

speculate as

Replaces "think" with "speculate", suggesting a conjecture or hypothesis, implying less certainty than the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use the idea of "think as" correctly in a sentence?

To convey a similar meaning, restructure your sentence to use "think like", for example, "Try to think like a scientist when analyzing data."

What can I say instead of "think as"?

Consider alternatives such as "view as", "regard as", or "perceive as" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "think as" on its own?

The phrase "think as" is typically not grammatically correct on its own. It usually needs to be part of a larger construction, like "think as if" or replaced with a more appropriate phrase.

Which is a better phrase, "think as" or "think like"?

In most cases, "think like" is preferable because it correctly conveys the intended comparison. For example, "Think like a designer" is clearer than "think as a designer".