we would like to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we would like to think" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a hopeful or positive belief about a situation or outcome. Example: "In light of our recent achievements, we would like to think that our efforts are making a significant impact in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We would like to think that we've long outlived that kind of thinking.

The New Yorker

Or so we would like to think.

The New Yorker

We would like to think the battle is over.

The New York Times

It's a joke we would like to think we've got.

The New York Times

""We're not as rational as we would like to think.

The Guardian

"We would like to think this is just the beginning".

The New York Times

The current system isn't as performance-dependent as we would like to think.

Harvard University

It is almost exactly the opposite of what we would like to think.

Harvard University

"We would like to think we have democracy in Romania," Mr. Ivan said.

The New York Times

Those are all words we would like to think resonate with Vena Cava.

The New York Times

We would like to think lawmakers have learned something from those episodes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "we would like to think" with phrases that indicate a degree of uncertainty, such as "we would like to think, but..." to manage expectations and acknowledge potential alternative scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "we would like to think" when you actually have concrete evidence or data to support your claim. In such cases, a more direct statement of fact would be more appropriate and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we would like to think" functions as a hedge, expressing a belief or assumption with a degree of hope or desire. According to Ludwig, it indicates a positive outlook but acknowledges the possibility of uncertainty. It's often used to soften statements or manage expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

32%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we would like to think" is a versatile phrase used to express a hopeful belief or assumption, acknowledging a degree of uncertainty. Grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, according to Ludwig, it is particularly common in news, academic, and scientific sources. When using this phrase, remember to avoid overstating certainty and consider more direct language when you have concrete evidence. The phrase offers a way to express optimism while managing expectations in various communicative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we prefer to believe

Focuses on a preference in belief rather than a general desire.

we hope to believe

Emphasizes hope as the basis for the belief.

we assume

Indicates a belief taken for granted without proof.

we presume

Suggests a belief based on probability or reasonable inference.

we anticipate

Highlights an expectation about a future event or outcome.

we expect

Expresses a strong belief that something will happen or is the case.

it is our understanding

Indicates a current comprehension or interpretation.

we are inclined to think

Shows a tendency or leaning towards a particular belief.

we are optimistic that

Focuses on a hopeful outlook for a specific situation.

it is reasonable to assume

Adds an element of justification or logical basis for the assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "we would like to think" in a sentence?

You can use "we would like to think" to express a hopeful belief or assumption, as in, "We would like to think that our efforts are making a difference, even if the results aren't immediately visible."

What can I say instead of "we would like to think"?

You can use alternatives like "we prefer to believe", "we hope to believe", or "we assume" depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "we would like to think"?

It's inappropriate to use "we would like to think" when you have solid evidence to support a claim. Use a more direct statement of fact instead of hedging with a hopeful but uncertain assumption.

What is the difference between "we would like to think" and "we believe"?

While both express a belief, "we would like to think" implies a stronger element of hope or desire and less certainty compared to the more direct statement of "we believe", which suggests a stronger conviction.