what do you think about

USAGE SUMMARY

'What do you think about' is a perfectly acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to initiate a conversation or ask for an opinion about a certain topic. For example: "What do you think about the new school plan to reduce the hours of physical education?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So what do you think about?

The Guardian - Film

What do you think about?

WikiHow

What do you think about Isis?

Independent

What do you think about ARMs?

The New York Times

What do you think about that idea?

The New York Times

What do you think about the lockout?

The New York Times

What do you think about this opinion?

The Guardian

What do you think about this approach?

The New York Times

What do you think about CleanStar Mozambique?

The New York Times

What do you think about these camps?

The New York Times

What do you think about it?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what do you think about" to encourage open-ended feedback and foster conversation.

Common error

While versatile, "what do you think about" can sound too informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for phrases like "what are your views regarding", or "what is your assessment of" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what do you think about" primarily functions as an interrogative expression, used to solicit opinions, judgments, or feelings from another person regarding a specific subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common and acceptable way to start a conversation or seek feedback.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what do you think about" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to inquire about someone's opinion on a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread use. While common across diverse contexts like news, science, and informal conversations, it's crucial to consider the formality of the setting and opt for more formal alternatives in professional writing. Understanding nuances of usage and related phrases enhances effective communication. The examples in Ludwig illustrate the phrase's utility in sparking dialogue and gathering insights across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's your opinion on

Replaces "what do you think" with "what's your opinion", maintaining a direct question about someone's viewpoint.

how do you feel about

Substitutes "think" with "feel", shifting the focus to emotional response rather than purely rational thought.

what are your thoughts on

Replaces "what do you think" with "what are your thoughts", a more formal equivalent.

what's your take on

Uses the idiomatic expression "take on" instead of "think about", offering a slightly more casual tone.

how would you assess

Replaces the question with an invitation to evaluate or judge.

what's your perspective on

Focuses on the individual's specific viewpoint, emphasizing the subjective nature of opinions.

what are your views regarding

Substitutes "thoughts" with "views" and "on" with "regarding", resulting in a more formal tone.

can you share your opinion of

Frames the question as a request to share an opinion, softening the directness.

what's your judgment on

Replaces "think" with "judgment", framing the response as a formal or critical assessment.

how do you perceive

Emphasizes the individual's understanding and interpretation of a situation or subject.

FAQs

How can I use "what do you think about" in a sentence?

You can use "what do you think about" to ask for someone's opinion or perspective on a specific topic. For example: "What do you think about the new policy?" or "What do you think about this approach?".

What can I say instead of "what do you think about"?

You can use alternatives like "what's your opinion on", "how do you feel about", or "what are your thoughts on" depending on the context.

Is "what do you think of" the same as "what do you think about"?

Yes, "what do you think of" and "what do you think about" are often used interchangeably to ask for someone's opinion or perspective. The difference is minimal and often a matter of preference.

Is it appropriate to use "what do you think about" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "what do you think about" is generally more suitable for informal conversations. In formal writing, consider using phrases such as "what are your views regarding" or "what is your assessment of" for a more professional tone.