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What is “I think” in English? How is “I think” used in English?

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"Think" in English is a commonly known English verb, meaning to have a particular idea or opinion about something/somebody. However, when combined with the subject "I", how is "I think" in English used? Let's join PREP to explore the usage as well as synonymous verb phrases with "I think"!

What is “I think” in English? How is “I think” used in English?

I. What is “I think” in English?
II. The usage of “I think” in English
1. 1. The usage of “I think” in English in each context
2. 2. The usage of “I think” in English tenses
III. Equivalent structures to “I think” in English
IV. Exercises on “I think” in English with detailed answers
1. 1. Exercise
2. 2. Answer keys
V. Crack the IELTS Exam With Confidence

I. What is “I think” in English?

What is “Think”? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, "think" serves as a verb and noun in sentences, meaning considering or having an opinion about something. For example:

I don’t think Emma will get the job.
What did you think of the film?

What is "I think" in English? "I think" is used to present the speaker's thoughts. For example:

I think (that) I’ve met you before.
I think (that) I’ll go swimming after lunch.

II. The usage of “I think” in English

Let’s join PREP to explore the usage of “I think” in English

1. The usage of “I think” in English in each context

Context	Usage	Example
Expressing an opinion or comment on an issue	Adding "should" before the main verb The phrase "I think" can stand at the beginning or end of the sentence. Note: Do not use "I think" in the present continuous tense.	I think that we should go for a walk after dinner. We should go for a walk after dinner, I think.
Planning or deciding something.	Followed by two prepositions: about or of. Commonly used in the present continuous tense.	I am thinking about going to France next month.
Used when unsure about something.	Employ “I don’t think”	I don’t think we should go outside because it is raining.

2. The usage of “I think” in English tenses

2.1. Present simple tense

"I think" in English is commonly used in the present simple tense to express someone's opinion on an issue

“I think” in the present simple tense		Example
Affirmative	I think (that) + Clause	I think that she will arrive on time for the meeting.
Negative	I don’t think (that) + Clause	I don’t think that it will rain tomorrow.

Note: The past form of Think is Thought, which has the same usage and formula as those of the present simple tense. The only difference is replacing Think with Thought, and adjusting the clause that follows to align with its tense.

“I think” in English in the present simple tense

2.2. Present progressive tense

"I think" in the present continuous tense commonly expresses that someone is currently thinking, considering, or planning for something.

Structure	Example
I am thinking that + Clause	I am thinking that I should apply for that job.
I am thinking of something	I am thinking of a good book to read.
I am thinking about something	I am thinking about my upcoming vacation.

”I think” in the present progressive tense

2.3. Past simple tense

"I think" in the past simple tense commonly expresses that someone had thought about something in the past.

For example:

I thought he was a bit weird.
Cloning animals has happened sooner than anyone thought.

III. Equivalent structures to “I think” in English

To avoid repetitive use of "I think" in English, PREP suggests trying out some alternative structures that are similar to "I think". Check them out:

Equivalent structures to “I think”	Meaning	Example
As far as I can tell	used to say that you think you know, remember, understand, etc. something but you cannot be completely sure, especially because you do not know all the facts	As far as I can tell, the project is progressing smoothly.
From my point of view/ In my opinion	the particular attitude or opinion that somebody has about something	From my point of view, the decision to expand the business is a wise one.
As far as I’m concerned	(used in emails, text messages, social media, etc. to give your personal opinion about something)	As far as I’m concerned, this restaurant serves the best pizza in town.
I believe/suppose that…	To have the hope that something is true or will happen	I believe that investing in renewable energy is crucial for a sustainable future.
It seems to me that	According to my point of view	It seems to me that the new policy has had a positive impact on employee morale.
I suggest + V-ing/ that clause.	A piece of advice	I suggest going for a walk in the park. I suggest we go for a walk in the park.
Why don’t we/ you + V….?	used to make a suggestion	Why don’t we go to the movies tonight?
Why not + V ……?	used to make a suggestion	Why not take a vacation this summer?
Shall we + V …?	used to make a suggestion	Shall we dance to this song?
Let’s + V.	used to express a suggestion or request that includes you and the other person or people	Let’s go hiking this weekend.
Would you like to + V/ N?	used when offering something or inviting someone	Would you like to join us for dinner tonight?
Do you like + V-ing/ N	used when offering something or inviting someone	Do you like Italian food?

IV. Exercises on “I think” in English with detailed answers

Below are two practice exercises with detailed answers that PREP has prepared for you to reinforce the concepts:

1. Exercise

Exercise 1: Rewrite the following sentences with “I think”

I suggest going skating this weekend.
I miss you all the time, honey.
Should I travel to Japan next month?
Is going swimming to relax a good idea?
Let’s go to the circus!

Exercise 2: Give the correct form of the verbs in brackets

I suggest that we (order) pizza for dinner.
Why don’t you (try) the new restaurant downtown?
Shall we (discuss) the project at the meeting tomorrow?
Let’s (start) the meeting on time.
Do you like (watch) movies on weekends?

2. Answer keys

Exercise 1:

I think we should go skating this weekend.
I am thinking of you all the time, honey.
I am thinking that I will travel to Japan next month.
Do you think I should go swimming to relax?
I think we should go to the circus.

Exercise 2:

order
try
discuss
start
watching

V. Crack the IELTS Exam With Confidence

Hopefully, the information PREP has shared with you about "I think" in English has helped increase your understanding of what "I think" means, how it is used, and its patterns. If you need help acing your IELTS exam Check out our top-rated practice modules here :

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