word help: Why are Americans so obsessed with the word “Think”, and use it in conversation all the time? - Help.com

why not? it’s not the most used word in the world(or america). idk what is but….that’s probably not it XD.

Your right….no clue, but now that you bring it to my attention I think , I am going to curtail the word…lol

Lol i totally agree with “monkichirmo” XD

I cant think of why you would think that we use the word “think” in conversations all the time. I dont think we use it that often. But seriously…what made you think that?

Did you watch monty python a a kid? lol lol lol

Anonymous wrote:
I cant think of why you would think that we use the word “think” in conversations all the time. I dont think we use it that often. But seriously…what made you think that?

aeolian mode wrote:
Did you watch monty python a a kid? lol lol lol

Anonymous wrote:
I cant think of why you would think that we use the word “think” in conversations all the time. I dont think we use it that often. But seriously…what made you think that?

Only the Holy Grail…what did I sound like/reference without knowing?

It’s a common word to use.

How often do you hear somebody say “I suppose it would be a great idea.”

or

“I cannot conceive of a place better than this.”

The word ‘think’ is appropriate and tends to come to mind more often then not.

Also, by writing or speaking the words “I think” before your statements, it shows that you’re owning your thoughts. It’s similar to the phrases “in my opinion, from my perspective, or in my view.” By doing this, it allows your listeners and readers to see that you’re expressing a humble opinion about something that may or may not be true.

americans are the ones that started the trend towards avoiding taking a stand in conversation. our language is built on AVOIDING saying what we mean.

windmills wrote:
It’s a common word to use.

How often do you hear somebody say “I suppose it would be a great idea.”

or

“I cannot conceive of a place better than this.”

The word ‘think’ is appropriate and tends to come to mind more often then not.

Also, by writing or speaking the words “I think” before your statements, it shows that you’re owning your thoughts. It’s similar to the phrases “in my opinion, from my perspective, or in my view.” By doing this, it allows your listeners and readers to see that you’re expressing a humble opinion about something that may or may not be true.

That is very true.

It could also be out of pure politeness. If you tell somebody “You shouldn’t go out with that guy again,” it sounds like a command. But if you say “I don’t think you should go out with that guy again,” it is more polite. You’re not telling somebody a fact or giving a command, you’re just offering advice. It reminds me of the “Subjunctive” mood in Spanish. When you say “I think that…” or “I don’t think that…” it is offering an opinion or thought on the matter, but while still having some doubts. There is a sense of doubt and uncertainty with “I think” that does not exist in stating facts. Because what we think does not always correspond to what is real.

A very similar and widely used expression is “If I were you,” or “If I were in your position, I would…”

Either that, or we Americans think too much.

ilmfat wrote:
americans are the ones that started the trend towards avoiding taking a stand in conversation. our language is built on AVOIDING saying what we mean.

Politeness is typically what keeps a
conversation from ending prematurely.

is that why people end so many conversations with me prematurely?

im all for politeness, but it seems a growing inclination towards civility at the expense of truth is becoming more prevalent.

It’s actually hilariously ironic that Americans think that they think in the first place.

super lol rx.

fantastic.

ilmfat wrote:
is that why people end so many conversations with me prematurely?

im all for politeness, but it seems a growing inclination towards civility at the expense of truth is becoming more prevalent.

It’s quite possible.

I realize there are times when it might be unnecessary to mince your words and you have to be brutally honest with someone.

But if the truth can be conveyed in a polite manner then an undesireable outcome is less likely to happen.

nah. even when i was friendly, ppl were dismissive and inattentive.

Rx Queen wrote:
It’s actually hilariously ironic that Americans think that they think in the first place.

Well, it’s a good thing we don’t think as much as other people, or else Americans wouldn’t have invented measureable electric currents, airplanes, light bulbs, sunglasses, photography, telegraphs, phonographs (the beginning of all music technology), mobile phones, credit cards, the frisbee, peanut butter, chewing gum, crossword puzzles, comic books, shopping carts, swivel chairs, mouse traps, Spandex, Nylon, Pantyhose, bluejeans, Christmas Lights, disposable diapers, skyscrapers, Coca Cola, cotton candy, chocolate chip cookies, potato chips, condensed milk, popsicles, microwave ovens, computers, e-mail, and oh yeah, THE INTERNET. Without which, this conversation would not even be taking place.

You’re welcome, beeotch.

You forget one important fact thar Blest - all Americans come from the UK anyway.

SUCK ON THEM APPLES

Rx Queen wrote:
You forget one important fact thar Blest - all Americans come from the UK anyway.

SUCK ON THEM APPLES

Yup. All of them came from the UK. Except the ones that came from Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Armenia, South America, Canada, China, Japan, Thailand, Australia, Korea, Vietnam, Poland, Germany, Russia, India, the Middle East, Scandanavia, all the slaves and immigrants that came from Africa, the Jews from all over Europe, and the Native Americans that were already here…

Aside from them, yeah. We’re all British.

using “think” makes there phrase or idea look smarter

btw, smart people don’t think, they only know ;)

ilmfat wrote:
nah. even when i was friendly, ppl were dismissive and inattentive.

There will always be a few who don’t care
how polite you are in conversation.

However, I don’t think we should change the way
we talk to everyone merely because we have occasional encounters
with someone who is not susceptible to civility.

susceptible to civility.

i like that.

ilmfat wrote:
susceptible to civility.

i like that.

I wasn’t sure how else to describe someone who does not respond to others in a civil manner even when they’re being treated in such a manner.