to think that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to think that' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is most commonly used to introduce a clause or phrase expressing an opinion. For example: "I have to admit, I can't help but to think that this situation could have been avoided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"She seemed to think that was funny".

Independent

I have to think that way.

The New York Times - Sports

But you have to think that way.

The Guardian - Music

Allow yourself to think that word".

The New Yorker

"I began to think that way.

The Guardian - Books

"You got to think that way.

The New York Times

It was painful to think that way".

The Guardian - Sport

I used to think that was great.

The Guardian

Men seem to think that way.

The New York Times

I certainly used to think that way.

Science Magazine

"We aren't trained to think that way.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to think that" to introduce a clause expressing your opinion or reaction to a situation. It's particularly effective when you want to convey a sense of surprise, disbelief, or reflection.

Common error

While "to think that" is perfectly acceptable, avoid relying on it excessively in formal writing. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "it is believed that" or "it is considered that" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to think that" functions as an introductory phrase that sets up a subordinate clause expressing a thought, opinion, or reaction. As Ludwig examples show, it often introduces a statement of surprise or disbelief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to think that" is a versatile introductory phrase used to express a thought, opinion, or reaction. As demonstrated by numerous examples listed by Ludwig, it is commonly found in news and media sources. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability in written English. While generally neutral in tone, it should be used judiciously in formal contexts. Consider using alternative phrases like "to imagine that" or "to believe that" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to imagine that

Focuses on forming a mental image or idea, implying a degree of speculation.

to believe that

Emphasizes holding something as true or factual, indicating a stronger conviction.

to consider that

Highlights the act of carefully thinking about something before forming an opinion.

to assume that

Suggests accepting something as true without proof, often based on probability.

to presume that

Implies taking something for granted, often due to lack of contradictory evidence.

to surmise that

Indicates forming an opinion based on incomplete information or intuition.

to gather that

Highlights deducing something from available information or clues.

to conclude that

Emphasizes reaching a decision or judgment after careful consideration.

to deduce that

Focuses on arriving at a conclusion through logical reasoning and analysis.

to speculate that

Suggests forming a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

FAQs

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

"To think that" often introduces a statement expressing surprise or disbelief. For example, "To think that he would betray his friends is shocking" or "To think that she accomplished so much at such a young age is truly inspiring".

What are some alternatives to "to think that"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to imagine that", "to believe that", or "to consider that". Each carries a slightly different connotation.

Is "to think that" formal or informal?

"To think that" leans toward the neutral to informal side. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "it is believed that" or "it is reasonable to assume that".

When is it appropriate to use "to think that"?

Use "to think that" when you want to introduce a clause expressing your opinion, reaction, or surprise about a situation. It is suitable for everyday conversations, news articles, and less formal writing contexts.