think of as

USAGE SUMMARY

"think of as" can be used in written English.
You can use it to compare two things, or to provide your opinion about an idea or concept. For example: "The way I like to think of it as is that success is a journey, not a destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This pain you think of as yours.

The New Yorker

Gallery walls are rarely what you think of as walls.

The New Yorker

"That's not what one would think of as low-wage".

The New York Times

"Nostalgia is something we think of as fuzzy.

The Guardian - Books

My saving grace is, perhaps, that what I think of as happy isn't necessarily what most people would think of as happy.

The New Yorker

You see, M, this is the difference between what real people think of as great fashion moments and what fashion magazines think of as great moments.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've put together what I think of as G7-decadal-RR.

The New York Times

"It's radical to sexualize someone people think of as asexual".

Huffington Post

Find a role model whom you think of as graceful.

WikiHow

Again, think of as many as you can.

WikiHow

Ask for new ideas of what people think of as mischievous.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "think of as" to frame your subjective perspective on a topic, making it clear that you're offering an interpretation rather than an objective fact. For example, "I think of as the glass half full, not half empty."

Common error

While acceptable, overusing "think of as" can make your writing sound less professional. In formal contexts, consider using more precise verbs like "regard", "consider", or "deem" to convey a stronger sense of authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think of as" functions primarily as a phrasal verb expressing subjective categorization or interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its use in framing personal perspectives, similar to examples found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

27%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "think of as" is a versatile phrasal verb used to express personal perspectives, categorize, or interpret information. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, making it a common choice across various registers. While alternatives like "consider as" or "regard as" exist, "think of as" offers a unique emphasis on subjective understanding. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality and consider more precise alternatives for formal writing to enhance clarity and authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider as

Focuses more on a formal evaluation or judgment.

regard as

Implies a more respectful or thoughtful assessment.

view as

Highlights a specific perspective or way of seeing something.

perceive as

Emphasizes a sensory or intuitive understanding.

Implicates a more formal and official judgment or opinion.

Indicates a formal or authoritative assessment.

characterize as

Highlights defining traits or features.

define as

Focuses on providing a precise meaning or scope.

interpret as

Suggests an explanation or understanding based on context.

understand as

Emphasizes comprehension or grasping the meaning.

conceptualize as

Emphasizes the formation of an idea or concept.

FAQs

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

You can use "think of as" to express your opinion or perspective on something. For example, "I "think of this as" a learning opportunity."

What are some alternatives to "think of as"?

Alternatives include "consider as", "regard as", or "view as". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I think of it as" or "I think of it to be"?

"I "think of it as"" is the correct and more common phrasing. "I think of it to be" is grammatically awkward and less frequently used.

What is the difference between "think of as" and "see as"?

"Think of as" often implies a more deliberate or subjective interpretation, while "see as" can suggest a more immediate or obvious perception. For example, "I think of as him a mentor" suggests a reflective assessment, whereas "I see him as a leader" implies a more readily apparent quality.