Complete Guide to Using “I think I should + (verb)” in English

The phrase “I think I should + verb” expresses personal conviction about a necessary or advisable action. This construction communicates your considered opinion about what action would be proper or beneficial.

“I think I should” Usage Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation	Context
1	I think I should practice my reading.	मुझे लगता है मुझे अपने पढ़ने का अभ्यास करना चाहिए।	Self-improvement
2	I think I should join a study group.	मुझे लगता है मुझे एक अध्ययन समूह में शामिल होना चाहिए।	Academic decision
3	I think I should handle this ASAP.	मुझे लगता है मुझे इसे जल्द से जल्द संभालना चाहिए।	Urgent matter
4	I think I should earn my degree.	मुझे लगता है मुझे अपनी डिग्री पूरी करनी चाहिए।	Educational goal
5	I think I should explain myself.	मुझे लगता है मुझे अपनी बात समझानी चाहिए।	Clarification
6	I think I should apologize.	मुझे लगता है मुझे माफ़ी माँगनी चाहिए।	Relationship advice
7	I think I should start exercising.	मुझे लगता है मुझे व्यायाम शुरू करना चाहिए।	Health decision
8	I think I should save more money.	मुझे लगता है मुझे और पैसे बचाने चाहिए।	Financial planning
9	I think I should change jobs.	मुझे लगता है मुझे नौकरी बदलनी चाहिए।	Career move
10	I think I should be honest.	मुझे लगता है मुझे ईमानदार होना चाहिए।	Moral decision

Negative Form Examples (“I don’t think I should”)

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation
1	I don’t think I should complain so much.	मुझे नहीं लगता कि मुझे इतना शिकायत करना चाहिए।
2	I don’t think I should attend that event.	मुझे नहीं लगता कि मुझे उस कार्यक्रम में जाना चाहिए।
3	I don’t think I should borrow more money.	मुझे नहीं लगता कि मुझे और पैसे उधार लेने चाहिए।
4	I don’t think I should doubt you.	मुझे नहीं लगता कि मुझे आप पर संदेह करना चाहिए।
5	I don’t think I should decide yet.	मुझे नहीं लगता कि मुझे अभी निर्णय लेना चाहिए।

Key Grammar Rules

• Structure:
  • “I think I should” + base verb
  • ✅ Correct: “I think I should go.”
  • ❌ Incorrect: “I think I should to go.”
• Negative Form:
  • More natural as “I don’t think I should” rather than “I think I shouldn’t”
  • Shows stronger opposition
• Question Form:
  • “Do you think I should…?”
  • For seeking advice

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ “I think I should to call her.”
✅ “I think I should call her.” (no “to” after should)

❌ “I thinking I should leave.”
✅ “I think I should leave.” (correct verb form)

❌ “I think should we go?”
✅ “Do you think we should go?” (proper question structure)

Cultural Usage Notes

• Politeness:
  • Softer than “I must” or “I have to”
  • Shows personal opinion rather than obligation
• Indian Context:
  • Often used with “only” for emphasis (“I think I should go only”)
  • Sometimes combined with “ji” (“I think I should ji”)
• Workplace Usage:
  • Professional alternative: “In my opinion, it would be advisable to…”