“English learners all over the world say ‘I think’ in almost every sentence. But guess what? Native speakers don’t. Want to sound more confident and fluent? I’ll show you powerful phrases that will make your opinions stand out.”

9 PHRASES

1. “In my experience…”

Why it’s better: Shows you’re speaking from personal knowledge rather than just thinking.

Examples:

• I think working from home is more productive → In my experience, working from home is more productive
• I think learning English online is effective → In my experience, learning English online is effective
• I think morning exercise gives more energy → In my experience, morning exercise gives more energy

2. “From what I’ve observed…”

Why it’s better: Indicates you’ve actually witnessed or noticed something, making your opinion more credible.

• I think students learn better in small groups → From what I’ve observed, students learn better in small groups
• I think remote teams need more communication → From what I’ve observed, remote teams need more communication
• I think regular breaks improve productivity → From what I’ve observed, regular breaks improve productivity

3. “It seems that…”

Why it’s better: Sounds more objective and analytical while still expressing your viewpoint.

• I think the market is improving → It seems that the market is improving
• I think people prefer flexible hours → It seems that people prefer flexible hours
• I think the new system is working well → It seems that the new system is working well

4. “I’ve found that…”

Why it’s better: Implies you’ve discovered something through actual experience or research.

• I think daily practice is essential → I’ve found that daily practice is essential
• I think meditation helps with stress → I’ve found that meditation helps with stress
• I think early planning prevents mistakes → I’ve found that early planning prevents mistakes

5. “I’m convinced that…”

Why it’s better: Shows stronger conviction and confidence in your opinion.

• I think education is the key to success → I’m convinced that education is the key to success
• I think teamwork leads to better results → I’m convinced that teamwork leads to better results
• I think practice makes perfect → I’m convinced that practice makes perfect

6. “Based on my research…”

Why it’s better: Demonstrates that your opinion is grounded in actual investigation.

• I think renewable energy is the future → Based on my research, renewable energy is the future
• I think artificial intelligence will transform healthcare → Based on my research, artificial intelligence will transform healthcare
• I think sustainable practices save money → Based on my research, sustainable practices save money

7. “My perspective is…”

Why it’s better: Acknowledges it’s your view while sounding more professional.

• I think we should change the approach → My perspective is that we should change the approach
• I think the solution is simple → My perspective is that the solution is simple
• I think this method works best → My perspective is that this method works best

8. “I’ve concluded that…”

Why it’s better: Suggests you’ve reached a final decision after consideration.

• I think this is the best option → I’ve concluded that this is the best option
• I think we need to change direction → I’ve concluded that we need to change direction
• I think the risk is worth taking → I’ve concluded that the risk is worth taking

9. “From my understanding…”

Why it’s better: Shows you’ve processed the information while staying humble.

• I think the process is complicated → From my understanding, the process is complicated
• I think the solution requires teamwork → From my understanding, the solution requires teamwork
• I think we need more time → From my understanding, we need more time