The best ways to replace “I think”

The best ways to replace “I think”

“I think” is commonly used in English suggesting that  the following information is based purely on subjective beliefs. It’s a way to express your opinion and make communication feel more natural. To make your speech more varied, let’s explore different ways of saying “I think” in English. You might be surprised by how many synonyms exist!

Let’s take a look at different options for expressing your opinion in both formal and informal contexts

In everyday communication use:

  • I guess: I guess we should keep this data, it might come in handy.

  • I (strongly) believe: I strongly believe that the project will be successful. 

  • I suppose: I suppose going on vacation is the best option right now. 

  • I reckon: I reckon she will get that job. 

  • To be honest / honestly / honestly speaking: To be honest, I’m not sure about the effectiveness of these measures. 

  • I presume: I presume you're tired after such a long day. – I suppose you’re tired after such a long day.

  • It seems to me (that): It seems to me that there should be a way out.

  • To my mind = In my opinion / In my view: To my mind, this might work. In my opinion / view, this might work. 

  • As I see it…: As I see it, you will definitely get the job. 

  • What I mean is: What I mean is that this can be the reason for poor sales.

  • I consider: I consider this project to be one of the most successful I’ve ever worked on. 

  • If you ask me: If you ask me, I would not recommend this company.

  • I feel: I feel we need a break.

  • I imagine: Since the topic is not new, I imagine you all know a lot about AI. 

  • I am convinced / certain / sure (that)…: I am convinced / certain / sure that learning English is essential for professional success. 

  • As far as I can tell: As far as I can tell, this data cannot be shared.

  • I tend to think that…: I tend to think that the meeting is going to be quite long.

  • Personally speaking: Personally speaking, this online course is perfect for beginners. 

  • For me: For me, this idea is the best I’ve heard recently. 

  • I assume: I assume she will pass the exam. 

  • I would say: I would say this issue is worth discussing.

  • To my way of thinking… : To my way of thinking, the budget should have already been approved.

Remember to use the wide variety of synonyms for I think which will significantly enrich your speech.

More formal alternatives

  • From my perspective = from where I’m standing = from my point of view: From where I’m standing, this company provides high-quality services.

  • In my professional opinion (used when discussing topics where you are an expert. This phrase shows you understand the matter and can argue your case professionally):  In my professional opinion, it is better to review the budget.

  • My impression is that… (used to politely share an observation or assessment): My impression is that the client is interested, but they need more detailed information before making a decision.

  • Based on my personal experience (a perfect phrase when you want to share your own experience or knowledge): Based on my personal experience, regular team meetings help improve communication and prevent misunderstandings.

  • If I may outline a response (used in polite, formal contexts when you want to offer your reply or briefly outline a possible solution, sounds diplomatic and correct): If I may outline a response, I believe we should first clarify the client’s main priorities before discussing the budget.

  • I would argue (used to politely but firmly express your position, usually when it differs from someone else’s. A softer way than I argue or I disagree): I would argue that investing in employee training brings more long-term benefits than cutting costs.

  • In my judgment (the same as in my opinion, but more formal and serious. Expresses a professional point of view): In my judgment, the proposal is well-prepared, but it requires additional financial justification before approval.

  • It is my belief that… (used to express your conviction in a formal and confident way): It is my belief that strong customer support is the key factor in building long-term business relationships. 

  • Contrary to that belief… (used to counter a common assumption or to highlight that reality differs from expectations): Contrary to that belief, remote teams can be just as productive as in-office teams when communication is well organized.

Enrich your vocabulary, it’ll make your speech more expressive and elegant!

 

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