we think therefore

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we think therefore" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in philosophical discussions, often as a reference to the famous statement "I think, therefore I am" by René Descartes, to imply that thought is a basis for existence or understanding. Example: "In our exploration of consciousness, we think therefore we must question the nature of reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

We think, therefore, that the principle of the decision of the supreme court of Kansas in State v. Haun, 61 Kan.

Cornell University

We think, therefore, that the power of Congress, in the government of the land and naval forces and of the militia, is not at all affected by the fifth or any other amendment.

Cornell University

'We think, therefore, that it may be fairly concluded that it was the intention of Congress to confer on the Circuit Courts of Appeals the right to hear appeals from final orders made by District Judges in habeas corpus cases, as well as to hear appeals from final decisions of District Courts made in such cases.

Cornell University

We can't wait to see the follow-up installation, which will use an iPad to demonstrate the age-old theoretical principal that "we think, therefore we are.

Vice

We think therefore that the decline in encounter rates could not have been caused by reduced habitat quality alone, and that other factors need to be explored.

Plosone

We think therefore that this latter finding increases the potential translational fall-out of this study.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

We thought therefore to address the problem by mutating, as done for the BAP gene in the B307-0294 strain [ 15], the BLP1 and BLP2 genes of the AYE strain.

BMC Genomics

I think therefore we both agree that it was the activities of the financial establishments that was the main cause of the crisis with the help from governments.

BBC

Stories, Pamuk has hinted, create the world we perceive: instead of "I think, therefore I am," a Pamuk character might say, "I am because I narrate".

The New York Times - Books

Therefore, we think that this is a general principle".

The Guardian

Therefore, we think PMF and TSI may have some common physical origins.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we think therefore", ensure the "we" genuinely represents a collective viewpoint supported by the preceding evidence or reasoning. This strengthens the credibility of your conclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "we think therefore" as a mere connector without genuine preceding thought or analysis. Ensure a clear logical link between the prior statements and the conclusion to maintain the phrase's integrity and persuasive force.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we think therefore" functions as a causal connector, linking a premise or observation to a conclusion drawn from it. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it indicates a reasoned judgment based on preceding information. It asserts a viewpoint derived from a cognitive process.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

Academia

30%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we think therefore" acts as a causal connector, used to express a logical deduction or reasoned judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its usage is relatively rare, primarily occurring in scientific, academic, and news contexts. When employing the phrase, ensure that the "we" represents a genuine collective viewpoint supported by preceding evidence, and avoid using it merely as a placeholder without substantive thought. Alternatives like "therefore we believe" or "thus we conclude" can be considered depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we conclude consequently

Expresses a formal conclusion based on prior information, differing in tone from a personal viewpoint to a formal deduction.

we infer thus

Indicates a logical deduction, replacing the personal "think" with the more definitive "infer".

we deduce accordingly

Highlights a structured deduction, shifting focus from a thought process to a logical conclusion.

we assume hence

Conveys an assumption leading to a subsequent point, differing by presenting the initial statement as an assumption rather than a thought.

we understand consequently

Focuses on understanding as the basis for the conclusion, rather than the act of thinking.

we gather thereby

Suggests the conclusion is collected or compiled from various sources of information, rather than individual thought.

we reckon subsequently

Replaces "think" with a less formal "reckon", implying a considered but not necessarily rigorous thought process.

we surmise henceforward

Presents the conclusion as a conjecture, implying a degree of uncertainty.

we judge subsequently

Indicates a judgment is formed, which implies a more definitive assessment than simply thinking.

we consider consequently

Emphasizes a considered evaluation leading to a conclusion, shifting focus from thinking to a deliberate assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "we think therefore" in a sentence?

Use "we think therefore" to connect a premise or observation with a logical conclusion drawn from it. For example, "We have reviewed the data; "we think therefore", that the hypothesis is supported."

What phrases can I use instead of "we think therefore"?

Alternatives include "therefore we believe", "thus we conclude", or "consequently, our view is". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality. Another option is "we conclude consequently".

Is it better to use "I think therefore" or "we think therefore"?

The choice depends on whether you are expressing a personal opinion or a collective viewpoint. "I think therefore" is suitable for personal reflections, while "we think therefore" is appropriate for shared conclusions or group assessments.

What is the difference between "we think therefore" and "therefore we think"?

"We think therefore" emphasizes the thinking process leading to a conclusion, while "therefore we think" places greater emphasis on the conclusion itself. The former implies a more deliberative thought process, as "we think therefore" contrasts with "therefore we think".