what to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "what to think" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to consider making an opinion, especially when faced with a difficult decision or an opportunity. Example: "With so many options, it's hard to know what to think."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Essentially, critical thinking relies on practicing how to think, not what to think.

Duke University

What to think?

Revue Francophone d'Orthoptie

So what to think?

The Washington Post

He always tells you what to think.

The New Yorker

"I didn't know what to think".

The New York Times

We didn't know what to think.

The New York Times - Magazine

"No one knows what to think.

The New York Times - Sports

"People don't know what to think".

The New York Times

What to think of the Rasmussen poll?

The New York Times

I wasn't sure what to think.

The New York Times

"I don't know what to think".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what to think" when prompting critical analysis rather than dictating a specific viewpoint. This encourages independent thought and deeper understanding.

Common error

Relying too heavily on phrases like "what to think" can make your writing appear manipulative. Instead, present your arguments clearly and let the reader draw their own conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what to think" functions as an interrogative clause acting as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb. This phrase commonly expresses uncertainty, confusion, or a lack of a clear opinion on a subject, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what to think" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys uncertainty or the need for guidance in forming an opinion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While versatile, it’s crucial to use it thoughtfully to avoid seeming manipulative. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "what are your thoughts" or "how should I interpret this", depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. Remember, the goal is to encourage independent thought, not dictate a perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's your position

This alternative directly inquires about one's stance or viewpoint on a certain topic.

what are your thoughts

This alternative directly asks for someone's opinions or reflections on a given matter.

how does one view this

This alternative seeks an individual's perspective or outlook on a particular situation.

where do you stand on this

This alternative asks for someone's position or opinion, usually in a debate or controversial issue.

what's your take on that

This alternative shifts the focus to eliciting a specific opinion or perspective on a subject.

how to regard this

This alternative focuses on the manner in which something should be viewed or considered.

how to interpret that

This alternative focuses on the act of interpreting or understanding something, rather than forming an overall opinion.

what should one make of it

This alternative expresses a need to understand or interpret something, often when puzzling or ambiguous.

what are your feelings on this

This alternative seeks someone's emotional response or sentiment towards something.

what's the meaning of this

This alternative aims to understand the underlying significance or purpose of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "what to think" when you're unsure about an opinion or perspective, such as "I'm not sure "what to think" about this new policy yet".

What are some alternatives to "what to think"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "what are your thoughts", "what should I believe", or "how should I interpret this".

Is it correct to say "what to think" in formal writing?

Yes, "what to think" is grammatically correct and appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its suitability depends on the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

What's the difference between "what to think" and "what to think about"?

"What to think" generally expresses a state of uncertainty or a need for guidance, while "what to think about" suggests directing someone's attention to a particular topic for consideration. For example, "They aren't telling you "what to think"; they are telling you "what to think about"."