Expressing opinions | chatting to people

To express your opinion of something, use I think…

• I think she is right.
• I think we are making a mistake.
• I think it is too late to begin a new lesson now.
• I think we should give him a chance.
•  I think it is a smart idea.
•  I think I have got the answer.

If you do not think something is true, use I don’t think…

• I don’t think that she took the money.
• I don’t think that we should wait for him.
• I don’t think she is telling the truth.
• I don’t think he is coming.

Notes

The conjunction that can be dropped after I don’t think.

• I don’t think that she knows the answer. = I don’t think she knows the answer.

To ask people if they think something is good or bad, use What do you think of…?

• What do you think of my new hair style?
• What do you think of Maya’s new boyfriend?
• What do you think of the new manager?
• What do you think of my idea?
• What do you think of her latest novel?

Use What do you think about…? to ask somebody if they think something is a good idea.

• What do you think about hosting the party in the garden? (= Do you think that it is a good idea?)

• What do you think about inviting Ismail to our party?

• What do you think about painting the walls green?
• What do you think about moving to a bigger house?

To agree with someone’s opinion, use I agree.

• I agree with you.

• ‘That was the worst film I saw this year.’ ‘I entirely agree with you. It was a complete waste of time.’

The sentence ‘You’re right.’ is also possible here.

• ‘I don’t think we should wait for him. He isn’t going to come.’ ‘You’re right.’

To say that you do not agree with someone, use I don’t think so.

• ‘Jane is a strong contender. She will win.’ ‘I don’t think so.’
• ‘Amala is very nice, isn’t she?’ ‘I don’t think so. She always ignores me.’