thinking otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thinking otherwise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a different opinion or perspective than what has been previously stated or assumed. Example: "While many believe that the project will fail, I am thinking otherwise and see potential for success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But his son was thinking otherwise.

The New York Times

You could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.

The Guardian - Arts

There never were, yet some Brazilians cannot help thinking otherwise.

The New York Times - Sports

Anyone thinking otherwise must be living in a cave.

The Economist

You might well be forgiven for thinking otherwise.

The Guardian

But casual readers could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.

The New York Times

("His young fans" shouldn't be deluded into thinking otherwise).

The New Yorker

Except they aren't, and we're fooled into thinking otherwise because of something called the gambler's fallacy.

The New York Times

But straphangers who waited longer for their trains last week may be forgiven for thinking otherwise.

The New York Times

But on Tuesday, inspectors representing those organisations may have been forgiven for thinking otherwise.

The Guardian

But he acknowledged that if he had been sitting atop the leader board here, he would have been thinking otherwise.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thinking otherwise" to clearly indicate a contrasting viewpoint, especially when correcting a misconception or assumption. For example: "Many assume this project is doomed, but I am "thinking otherwise".

Common error

While acceptable, "thinking otherwise" can sound slightly informal. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "holding a different view" or "maintaining a contrary opinion" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinking otherwise" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a subject complement or part of an adverbial phrase. It expresses a state of holding a different opinion or perspective. Ludwig AI examples confirm its use in contrasting viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thinking otherwise" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that effectively conveys a differing viewpoint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed to express disagreement or a contrasting perspective, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it can be considered slightly informal. When aiming for highly formal or scientific writing, consider alternatives like "holding a different view". The frequency of its occurrence across diverse sources underscores its widespread acceptability and utility in expressing nuanced opinions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

believing differently

Focuses on the internal belief that contrasts with a prevailing opinion.

holding a different view

Emphasizes the possession of an alternative perspective.

seeing it another way

Highlights a change in perspective or interpretation.

disagreeing with that

Directly expresses disagreement with a specific statement or idea.

having a contrary opinion

Implies a direct opposition in viewpoint.

not sharing that belief

Indicates a lack of agreement with a particular belief.

taking an alternative stance

Suggests a deliberate decision to adopt a different position.

viewing it from another angle

Emphasizes a shift in perspective to understand a situation differently.

challenging that assumption

Indicates a questioning or contesting of a previously accepted assumption.

not convinced of that

Expresses doubt or skepticism regarding a particular idea or claim.

FAQs

How can I use "thinking otherwise" in a sentence?

You can use "thinking otherwise" to express a differing opinion or perspective. For instance, "Everyone thought the plan would fail, but I was "thinking otherwise"."

What's a more formal way to say "thinking otherwise"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "holding a different view", "maintaining a contrary opinion", or "believing differently".

Is it grammatically correct to use "thinking otherwise"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. It functions as a gerund phrase, often used to express disagreement or a contrasting viewpoint.

What does "thinking otherwise" really mean?

It means to have a different opinion or belief than what is commonly accepted or previously stated. It implies a disagreement or a contrasting perspective.