This sentence pattern is the most basic and common way to express an idea or opinion. It is used by everybody that speaks English.
Subject + think (that) + sentence
- I think that it is good.
- She thinks it is bad.
- We think that Tina is the best worker.
- The teacher thinks that David is the best student.
- I think it will be good.
- She thinks that it was bad.
- We think that he has done a good job so far.
It is possible to use any verb tense.
- I think that it is good.
- I think that it was good.
- I think that it will be good.
- I think that it is going to be good.
- I think that it has been good.
- I think that it was going to be good.
We can omit the word “that”. In other words, we do not need it.
- I think she is nice.
- She thinks we are going to win the game.
- Ben thinks he is going to be fired.
- They think it is a waste of time.
We use “do not think” or “does not think” to make a negative sentence.
- I do not think that carrots are delicious.
- I don’t think she likes me.
- She doesn’t think that the movie was good.
- We do not think that the project will be successful.
- Mark doesn’t think it is a good idea to go there today.
- Ben does not think that Karen is kind.
- We don’t think that it is a good idea.
- She doesn’t think that exercise is useful.
- They do not think that the mall will be busy.
Bonus Tips and Points
1. These are other very common sentence patterns that use the verb “to think”.
Subject + be verb + thinking about + gerund…
These sentences do not express an opinion or idea. These sentences show what the subject is considering doing. In other words, what the subject might do in the future.
- I am thinking about quitting my job.
- She is thinking about moving to Miami.
- They are thinking about starting their own company.
Subject + be verb + thinking about + noun…
These sentences show what thought is in a person’s head.
- I am thinking about my girlfriend.
- She is thinking about the future.
- We are thinking about our childhood.
However, we use “think about” when asking a person for their opinion.
A) What do you think about this?
B) I think that it is good.
A) What do you think about her?
B) I think that she is nice.
Real-World English Conversations
A) What do you think about this book?
B) I think it is interesting, but it is also a little boring in some parts.
A) What do you think about this restaurant?
B) I think that the food is good, but it seems a little overpriced to me.
A) Do you like her?
B) Not really. I think she is a little arrogant and selfish.
A) I think that this project is going to be difficult.
B) I don’t think so. I think it is going to pretty easy for us.
Study these free English lessons to improve your English speaking. If you learn these common sentence patterns well, then your English speaking will improve greatly and you will be able to have fluent conversations in English in the near future! Study the lessons well, practice using the sentences and questions at home and in real life, and make sure to come back to review the material so you do not forget. If you do these three things, then you will be speaking English like a native English speaker in no time!
English Sentence Patterns for Speaking Index
