For example:
I don't think I would buy that dress
versus
I would not buy that dress
2007-04-19 20:15:55 · 10 answers · asked by ~ 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Either, depending.
.
2007-04-19 20:19:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first sentence does imply being unsure, or expressing an opinion, but the second one is more assertive.
Many a times, we add 'I don't think' when we are either not certain, or when the other person needs to be given a hint that you differ from him/her on whatever was being discussed, or when the other person is someone whose status or relationship calls for some respect or caution when dealing with him/her.
2007-04-20 09:19:56 · answer #2 · answered by greenhorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I don't think" is used either when you r predicting something for ex.-" I Don't think it will rain today".In this case a person can also be wrong or if you r not wanting to say "No"(being quite formal) or if you are expressing your opinion to someone for ex- "I don't think you should do this work". Here you are just giving your opinion so you can't just order"Don't do it".
2007-04-20 05:18:30 · answer #3 · answered by taaha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use that phrase, as do others, in several ways.
lightly sarcastic or of course - I don't think so. meaning: meaning 'no way'
not real sure - I don't think I would ever do that.
I don't think I would buy that. meaning "are you kidding!!!"
2007-04-20 03:30:43 · answer #4 · answered by howdigethere 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may also imply that the person saying, "I don't think..." knows that others DO think that way.
It may signify a acknowledgment of different opinions.
2007-04-20 09:05:15 · answer #5 · answered by The other other side of things 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're right. If they are very sure, they would just go straight to the point. eg I want that dress. I want my mummy...
2007-04-20 03:25:55 · answer #6 · answered by Avatraz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he is unsure but if he has to make a choice he would rather not opt for the thing.... would indicates surety, dont think indicates a negative bias
2007-04-20 03:20:56 · answer #7 · answered by mathur 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah
2007-04-20 03:26:01 · answer #8 · answered by jolicious 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ah, I think so.
2007-04-20 03:20:04 · answer #9 · answered by Gardner? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes.
2007-04-20 03:20:37 · answer #10 · answered by †ℓєgєи∂ кιℓℓєя™† 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋