think that

USAGE SUMMARY

"think that" is perfectly fine to use in written English.
You can use it to suggest your opinion or to introduce a conclusion that you've come to based on reasoning or evidence. For example, "I think that the best course of action would be to consult with a legal advisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Think that sounds melodramatic?

The Guardian - Opinion

Do I think that?

The New Yorker

I think that scares us.

The New Yorker

I think that was true.

The New York Times

I think that was tough".

The New York Times

I think that was wrong.

The New Yorker

I think that was key".

Independent

I think that was right.

The Economist

Few think that is possible.

The New York Times

I think that compares favourably.

Independent

So I think that helps.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "think that" to introduce a clause expressing an opinion or belief. It is generally followed by a subject and a verb, forming a complete sentence, like in the example: "I think that this is a good idea".

Common error

While "think that" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives such as "believe", "consider", or more sophisticated phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think that" functions as a connector that introduces a subordinate clause expressing a thought, opinion, or belief. It connects the speaker's internal cognitive process with the content of their thought, similar to the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "think that" is a common and grammatically sound way to express opinions or beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While suitable for most contexts, including news and media, it may be beneficial to use more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Understanding the subtle differences between "think that" and similar phrases like "believe that" can further refine your writing. By considering these nuances, you can effectively convey your intended meaning and maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

believe that

Emphasizes a stronger sense of conviction or confidence in the idea being expressed.

consider that

Suggests a more thoughtful or deliberate assessment leading to a particular viewpoint.

it is my belief that

Highlights that the statement is a belief

conclude that

Highlights the reasoning process leading to a specific determination or outcome.

it seems to me that

Indicates a tentative opinion based on observation or impression.

I'm of the opinion that

Highlights that the statement is an opinion

deem that

Implies a formal or authoritative judgment about the matter at hand.

it is my view that

Presents the statement as a personal perspective or viewpoint.

my understanding is that

Frames the statement as based on personal comprehension and knowledge.

I'd say that

Presents a casual viewpoint

FAQs

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

Use "think that" to express an opinion or belief, followed by a clause. For instance, "I think that this movie is excellent" or "Do you think that it will rain tomorrow?"

What are some alternatives to "think that"?

You can use alternatives like "believe that", "consider that", or "it seems to me that" to express your opinion with slight nuances.

Is it grammatically correct to say "think that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, in very formal writing, it might be preferable to use more sophisticated alternatives to enhance the writing's tone and style. In conversational settings, it is perfectly acceptable.

What is the difference between "think that" and "believe that"?

"Think that" generally indicates a more casual opinion or consideration, while "believe that" suggests a stronger conviction or certainty. The choice depends on the context and the degree of confidence you want to convey.