ENGLISH
REFERENCE

I think so

fixed phr..
A2 Elementary Oxford

fixed phr.. A phrase you use to say you believe something is true, but you are not 100% sure. It is a soft way to agree with someone.

fixed phr.. A fixed phrase used to express tentative agreement or to affirm a proposition with a degree of uncertainty. It functions as a complete response, often to a yes/no question.


SIMPLE

"Is the shop still open?" "I think so."

CONTEXTUAL

"Are we meeting at the café at 7?" "I think so, but let me check my calendar."

COMPLEX

When asked if the new policy would solve the underlying issue, the minister replied, "I think so, but its full effects will only be clear over time."

Usage

This is a common, polite way to agree when you are not completely certain.

Teaching tip

The word 'so' acts as a pro-form, replacing the entire clause from the preceding question (e.g., 'Is it going to rain?' -> 'I think [that it is going to rain]').

Pitfall

I think yes.I think so.Use 'so' to stand for the idea you are agreeing with, not 'yes' or 'it'.

© 2026 English Reference