Sometimes people start a sentence with I like to think that.
I like to think that my business plan will attract investors.
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Are they being literal? In other words, are they stating that they like something so they believe it? If so, do you think these speakers know that they are giving the listener a reason to distrust them?
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Or, are they employing an idiom that means I believe.
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Or, (after seeing Nick's answer, I am adding this third possibility) that people are employing an idiom that means I hope.
Best Answer
I like to think introduces a pleasant or hopeful wish, but with some uncertainty.