think of him as

USAGE SUMMARY

"think of him as" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to urge someone to consider someone or something in a particular way. For example, "Think of him as your mentor and not just an authority figure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Icahn doesn't care whether people think of him as nice.

The New Yorker

"I don't think of him as greedy," explains Camilleri.

The Guardian

"They think of him as an antiurbanist.

The New York Times - Arts

I think of him as literally undiscussable".

The New Yorker

We think of him as P.K".

The New Yorker

Did you think of him as huggable?

The New York Times

They think of him as a moralist.

The Guardian

I think of him as the bodyguard.

The New York Times

"I think of him as my uncle.

The New York Times - Sports

I don't think of him as disabled.

The Guardian - Film

Don't think of him as your daddy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the comparison or description that follows is clear and relatable to the audience.

Common error

Don't use "think of him as" followed by an abstract or unclear description. For example, avoid saying "Think of him as... complicated." Instead, provide concrete attributes or roles, like "Think of him as a dedicated problem solver."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think of him as" functions primarily as a directive, prompting the listener or reader to adopt a specific perspective or understanding of the person being referenced. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase encourages a particular interpretation or categorization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "think of him as" is a common and versatile tool for shaping perception and encouraging a particular understanding of someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternatives like "regard him as" or "view him as" can offer subtle shifts in formality or emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure that the description that follows is clear and relatable to avoid vague or confusing comparisons. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "think of him as" to guide their audience's interpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regard him as

Replaces "think" with "regard", suggesting a more formal or considered assessment.

view him as

Substitutes "think" with "view", implying a perspective or opinion.

see him as

Replaces "think" with "see", focusing on the visual or observable impression.

consider him to be

Replaces "think of as" with "consider to be", providing a slightly more formal alternative.

perceive him as

Uses "perceive" instead of "think", emphasizing the way someone is understood or interpreted.

deem him to be

Replaces "think of as" with "deem to be", suggesting a formal judgment or assessment.

take him for

Offers a less direct way of expressing the perceived identity or characteristic.

conceive of him as

Offers a more abstract or intellectual way of understanding or viewing someone.

account for him as

This alternative is a less common and more formal way to express considering someone.

interpret him as

Suggests a deeper understanding or analysis in how someone is viewed.

FAQs

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

You can use "think of him as" to suggest a particular perspective or role. For example, "Don't think of him as just a colleague; "think of him as" a valuable mentor."

What are some alternatives to "think of him as"?

Alternatives include "regard him as", "view him as", or "consider him to be", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is there a subtle difference between "think of him as" and "see him as"?

"Think of him as" typically implies a deliberate effort to consider someone in a certain way, while "see him as" suggests a more natural or immediate perception.

When is it appropriate to use "think of him as" in formal writing?

While generally suitable for various contexts, in extremely formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "consider him to be" or "regard him as" for a more sophisticated tone.