IELTS synonyms

Synonyms for “think” in IELTS

14 alternatives to “think”, each with its part of speech, how it differs in meaning or register, an example sentence and a warning where a blind swap changes what you say. 'I think' opens most Speaking answers and many Task 2 opinion sentences. These alternatives express opinions with different strength and formality: some are tentative, some confident, some only for speech.

Example

believe (verb)

Hold an opinion firmly, often on values or principles.

I believe everyone should have access to free education.

See all 14 alternatives
  • 14 alternatives
  • Speaking
  • Meaning, register and example
Practise Speaking with AI feedback →See the alternatives

Written by Fizza Butool Zaidi and Ali Zaidi

14 alternatives

Other words for “think”

  1. 1.believe

    verbWriting and Speaking

    Hold an opinion firmly, often on values or principles.

    I believe everyone should have access to free education.

  2. 2.feel

    verbWriting and Speaking

    A personal, slightly emotional opinion.

    I feel that young people are under too much pressure at school.

  3. 3.in my view / in my opinion

    phraseWriting

    Formal way to mark your opinion in an essay.

    In my view, the benefits of tourism outweigh the drawbacks.

  4. 4.I'd say

    phraseSpeaking

    A natural, slightly cautious way to give an opinion.

    I'd say most people in my country prefer trains to buses.

  5. 5.reckon

    verbSpeaking

    Informal British; think or guess.

    I reckon it'll be much easier to find a job next year.

    Don't swap blindly: Speaking only; too informal for Writing.

  6. 6.suppose

    verbSpeaking

    Tentative; think something is probably true.

    I suppose it depends on how old the children are.

  7. 7.guess

    verbSpeaking

    Informal and tentative.

    I guess I'd choose the beach, because I need a rest.

    Don't swap blindly: Never in Task 2; it sounds unsure and informal.

  8. 8.it seems to me that

    phraseWriting and Speaking

    A careful opinion based on what you have noticed.

    It seems to me that people read more online than they used to.

  9. 9.be convinced that

    phraseWriting and Speaking

    Be completely sure.

    I'm convinced that learning languages early has lasting benefits.

  10. 10.would argue that

    phraseWriting

    Presents a position you are ready to defend.

    I would argue that public transport should be free for students.

  11. 11.maintain

    verbWriting

    Keep stating an opinion firmly, often other people's.

    Critics maintain that homework does little for young children.

  12. 12.consider

    verbWriting

    Formal; consider + object + adjective or noun.

    Many experts consider reading aloud to children essential.

  13. 13.suspect

    verbWriting and Speaking

    Think something, usually negative, is probably true.

    I suspect most people don't read the terms and conditions.

  14. 14.assume

    verbWriting and Speaking

    Think something is true without proof.

    Many people assume that older workers cannot learn new skills.

    Don't swap blindly: Assume implies there is no evidence. It is good for describing others' mistaken views.

Paraphrasing

How to paraphrase “think” well

  • Match strength to your confidence: suppose and I'd say are tentative; believe and be convinced are strong.
  • In Speaking, 'I think' is natural; just vary the opening so not every answer starts with it.
  • In Task 2, state your opinion clearly once in the introduction and conclusion; you do not need an opinion verb in every sentence.

Band tip: the public IELTS Writing band descriptors for Lexical Resource describe Band 7 as using “less common lexical items” with “some awareness of style and collocation”. A synonym that changes your meaning or breaks a collocation works against you, so choose the word that fits the sentence, not the rarest one you know.

In context

Use it in an answer

Speaking Part 3 (Should children learn to cook at school?)Written by BandLadder

I'd say yes, definitely. I'm convinced that cooking is a basic life skill, and I suspect a lot of teenagers leave home without knowing how to make a simple meal. Some people assume parents will teach it, but in my experience most parents simply don't have time, so I believe schools should step in.

Frequently asked questions

What can I use instead of 'I think' in IELTS Speaking?+

I'd say, I believe, I feel, it seems to me that, I reckon (informal), I suppose (tentative). Vary them rather than replacing 'I think' completely.

Can I use 'I think' in Task 2?+

Yes. It is clear and acceptable. 'In my view' and 'I would argue that' are slightly more formal alternatives for the introduction and conclusion.

Is 'I guess' acceptable in IELTS?+

In Speaking it is fine for tentative answers. In Writing it sounds unsure and informal, so avoid it.

What is the difference between believe and feel?+

Believe suggests a firm opinion, often about principles. Feel suggests a personal, sometimes emotional view. Both are natural in Speaking and Writing.

Practise

See real answers to paraphrase

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