what makes you think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what makes you think" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to question the other person's assumptions. For example, if someone said "I'm sure you don't like me", you could respond by saying "What makes you think that?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

What makes you think they're not thinking about the user?

TechCrunch

What makes you think I mucked up?

The Guardian

— What makes you think it's Mammy's shoe?

The New Yorker

What makes you think you're special?

Cornell University

ASSANGE: what makes you think it's lm?

The Washington Post

What makes you think you know me? he asks them.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

(challenging: 'what makes you think I don't?).

Functional Linguistics

"What makes you think God doesn't hurt too?" Contadino replied.

Los Angeles Times

What makes you think I'll give it to you?'".

Forbes

What makes you think I might be the President?

The New Yorker

What makes you think nationalism is something people need?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what makes you think" to politely challenge assumptions or encourage deeper reasoning. It invites explanation rather than directly dismissing an idea.

Common error

Avoid using "what makes you think" sarcastically or aggressively, as it can come across as condescending. Instead, use it genuinely to understand the other person's perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what makes you think" primarily functions as an interrogative, used to question the reasoning or basis behind someone's statement or belief. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it invites explanation rather than direct dismissal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what makes you think" is a versatile interrogative phrase used to question the basis of someone's belief or assumption. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While generally neutral in register, the phrase's tone can vary depending on context. It's commonly found in news and media, academic discussions, and even informal conversations. When using this phrase, remember to use it genuinely to encourage explanation and avoid any sarcastic undertones. Consider alternatives like "what leads you to believe" or "what's your reasoning" depending on the desired level of formality or empathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what leads you to believe

Focuses on the factors that influence the belief, rather than directly questioning the thinking process.

what's your reasoning

Directly asks for the reasoning behind a statement or belief.

what's your basis for saying that

Emphasizes the foundation or evidence supporting a claim.

why do you assume that

Highlights the assumption being made and asks for the justification.

on what grounds do you say that

Formally questions the justification or evidence for a statement.

what makes you so sure

Challenges the certainty of a claim, prompting for further explanation.

what evidence do you have

Requests concrete proof or support for a statement.

how did you come to that conclusion

Explores the process of reaching a particular belief or judgment.

where did you get that idea

Asks about the origin or source of a particular thought or notion.

can you elaborate on that

Requests more detail or clarification on a previously stated idea.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what makes you think" to sound more formal?

You can use phrases like "on what basis do you assert that?", or "what leads you to believe that is the case?". These alternatives are more appropriate for professional or academic settings.

What's a more empathetic way to ask "what makes you think"?

Try "can you help me understand how you arrived at that conclusion?" or "what are your reasons for thinking that way?". These options show genuine interest in understanding their perspective.

Is "what makes you think that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "what makes you think that" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both spoken and written English. It's a common way to inquire about someone's reasoning.

What's the difference between "what makes you think" and "what do you think"?

"What makes you think" questions the basis of an opinion or assumption, while "what do you think" is a general inquiry about someone's opinion on a topic.