I think
Opinion
Use 'I think' whenever you want to share a personal view without sounding like a know-it-all.
15秒でわかる
- Use it to share your personal opinion or belief.
- Place it at the start of any basic sentence.
- It makes your statements sound more polite and less bossy.
意味
You use this phrase to share your personal thoughts or beliefs about something. It tells others that what you are saying is your own view, not necessarily a proven fact.
主な例文
3 / 6Choosing a place to eat
I think the pizza place is better.
I think the pizza place is better.
In a work meeting
I think we need more time for this project.
I think we need more time for this project.
Texting about a movie
I think you will love the ending!
I think you will love the ending!
文化的背景
In many English-speaking cultures, using 'I think' is a way to practice 'hedging.' This means making a statement less forceful to remain polite and open to discussion. It reflects a cultural preference for individual opinion over absolute group consensus.
The 'That' Secret
You can say 'I think that it is cold' or just 'I think it is cold.' Both are correct, but skipping 'that' sounds more natural when speaking!
Don't be too sure
If you are 100% certain of a fact, using 'I think' might make you sound like you don't know what you're talking about. Use it for opinions, not math!
15秒でわかる
- Use it to share your personal opinion or belief.
- Place it at the start of any basic sentence.
- It makes your statements sound more polite and less bossy.
What It Means
I think is your best friend for sharing opinions. It acts like a soft cushion for your statements. Instead of saying something is a fact, you show it is your perspective. It makes you sound thoughtful and open to other ideas.
How To Use It
Put it at the start of your sentence. You can follow it with a person, a thing, or an action. For example, I think it is raining. You don't need fancy grammar here. Just say I think and then say what is on your mind. It is like opening a window into your brain.
When To Use It
Use it when you aren't 100% sure about a fact. Use it when choosing a movie with friends. It is perfect at a restaurant when deciding what to eat. Use it in meetings to offer a suggestion politely. It works great when texting to avoid sounding too bossy. Even if you are sure, it helps keep the conversation friendly.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it if you are stating a clear, scientific fact. Don't say I think the sun is hot because everyone knows it is. If you want to sound very powerful or certain, skip it. In a crisis, people need facts, not opinions. If a building is on fire, don't say I think we should leave. Just tell them to run!
Cultural Background
English speakers value being polite and indirect. Starting with I think helps avoid direct conflict. It shows you respect that others might have different views. In places like the UK or US, being too direct can sometimes seem rude. This phrase is a social lubricant that keeps things smooth. It has been the standard way to express a thought for centuries.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more formal, try I believe. If you are just guessing, you can say I guess. For a very casual vibe, try I reckon if you are in Australia or the Southern US. You can also add that after it, like I think that..., but most people skip it. It's your all-access pass to conversation.
使い方のコツ
This phrase is extremely versatile and fits into almost any social register. The only 'gotcha' is overusing it in formal writing where you want to appear authoritative.
The 'That' Secret
You can say 'I think that it is cold' or just 'I think it is cold.' Both are correct, but skipping 'that' sounds more natural when speaking!
Don't be too sure
If you are 100% certain of a fact, using 'I think' might make you sound like you don't know what you're talking about. Use it for opinions, not math!
Softening the Blow
English speakers often use 'I think' before a negative comment to be nice. Instead of 'This is bad,' they say 'I think this could be better.'
例文
6I think the pizza place is better.
I think the pizza place is better.
Expressing a preference among friends.
I think we need more time for this project.
I think we need more time for this project.
Sharing a professional opinion softly.
I think you will love the ending!
I think you will love the ending!
Giving a recommendation via text.
I think my cat is actually a tiny lion.
I think my cat is actually a tiny lion.
Using the phrase for a lighthearted joke.
I think everything will be okay.
I think everything will be okay.
Offering emotional support and hope.
I think it might snow tomorrow.
I think it might snow tomorrow.
Expressing uncertainty about a future event.
自分をテスト
Choose the best word to complete the opinion.
___ think this dress looks great on you!
In English, we always use the subject pronoun 'I' before the verb 'think'.
Where does 'I think' usually go in a sentence?
___ the coffee is too hot.
The phrase 'I think' typically starts the sentence to introduce the opinion.
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Ways to Express Opinions
Used with friends or family.
I reckon...
Perfect for almost any situation.
I think...
Used in serious or professional writing.
I believe...
Where to use 'I think'
Ordering Food
I think I'll have the pasta.
At the Office
I think this plan works.
With Friends
I think that movie was boring.
Giving Advice
I think you should call her.
よくある質問
11 問It is neutral! You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any problems.
Yes, you can! For example: 'It's going to rain, I think.' It sounds a bit more casual this way.
'I believe' is more formal and stronger. Use 'I think' for everyday opinions and 'I believe' for deeper convictions.
Usually, no. You just say I think it's cool without any pause or comma.
'I am thinking' usually means you are in the process of using your brain. Use I think for a finished opinion.
In academic writing, teachers often tell you to remove it to sound more objective. However, in personal essays, it is fine.
Use 'I thought.' For example: I thought the party was on Friday.
Not directly, but you can say 'Don't you think?' to ask for someone else's opinion.
'I guess' shows more doubt. Use I think when you are more confident in your opinion.
A common mistake is saying 'I think yes.' Instead, you should say I think so.
It's a habit! It fills space in a sentence and gives the speaker a moment to decide what to say next.
関連フレーズ
In my opinion
A slightly more formal way to introduce your view.
I feel like
Very common in casual conversation to express an intuition.
It seems to me
A polite way to describe how you perceive a situation.
I guess
Used when you are less certain or making a quick estimate.
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