In 15 Seconds
- A casual way to say 'I think' or 'I believe'.
- Common in British, Australian, and Southern American English.
- Used for making guesses or sharing personal opinions.
Meaning
When you say 'I reckon,' you are sharing your personal opinion or making a guess about something. It is like saying 'I think' or 'I believe,' but it sounds much more relaxed and conversational.
Key Examples
3 of 6Deciding on dinner with a partner
I reckon we should just order pizza tonight.
I think we should just order pizza tonight.
Predicting the weather
I reckon it's going to pour down any minute.
I think it's going to rain very soon.
A casual office chat about a project
I reckon the client will love these new designs.
I believe the client will like these designs.
Cultural Background
While it originated in England, 'I reckon' became a linguistic hallmark of the American South and rural Australia. It reflects a culture of informal, direct communication and is often associated with a slower, more deliberate pace of life. In modern British English, it remains a very popular alternative to 'I think' across all social classes.
The 'So' Rule
If you want to agree with someone using this phrase, always say `I reckon so`. Don't just say `I reckon` alone as an answer!
Check Your Audience
While common in the UK and Australia, some people in the Northern US might find it sounds a bit 'old-fashioned' or 'country'.
In 15 Seconds
- A casual way to say 'I think' or 'I believe'.
- Common in British, Australian, and Southern American English.
- Used for making guesses or sharing personal opinions.
What It Means
I reckon is a classic way to express your thoughts. It comes from the old word for counting or calculating numbers. Today, you aren't doing math when you use it. You are simply sharing what you believe to be true. It feels more personal than saying I think. It suggests you have weighed the options in your head. It is your best guess based on the facts you have.
How To Use It
Using it is incredibly simple. Just swap out I think for I reckon at the start of a sentence. You can use it for predictions about the future. You can use it to give advice. You can even use it to agree with someone. For example, if a friend asks if it will rain, you say, I reckon so. It sounds smoother and more natural than a robotic Yes, I think it will.
When To Use It
This phrase is perfect for daily life. Use it when chatting with friends over coffee. Use it when texting your family about dinner plans. It works great at the pub or during a casual lunch break at work. It shows you are relaxed and confident in your opinion. It is very common in the UK, Australia, and the Southern United States. If you want to sound like a local in those places, this is your secret weapon.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid I reckon in very formal writing. Don't put it in a legal contract or a scientific thesis. If you are speaking to a judge or writing a formal letter to a CEO, stick to I believe. It can sometimes sound a bit too 'country' or 'rural' for a high-stakes corporate presentation. Also, don't use it if you are 100% certain of a fact. It is for opinions, not for stating that the sun rises in the east.
Cultural Background
This phrase has deep roots in Middle English. It survived and flourished in rural communities. In the Southern US, it is a staple of 'Southern Hospitality' and charm. In Australia and the UK, it is a standard part of the 'no worries' attitude. It carries a sense of honesty. It implies you aren't trying to be an expert, just a person sharing a thought. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a friendly shrug and a smile.
Common Variations
In the Southern US, you might hear I tell you what, I reckon... for extra emphasis. In Australia, people often shorten things, but I reckon usually stays full-strength. You can also turn it into a question: What do you reckon? This is a very common way to ask for someone else's opinion. It sounds much friendlier than asking What is your opinion? which feels like a job interview.
Usage Notes
Mainly used in British, Australian, and Southern US dialects. It sits between 'I guess' (very casual) and 'I think' (neutral).
The 'So' Rule
If you want to agree with someone using this phrase, always say `I reckon so`. Don't just say `I reckon` alone as an answer!
Check Your Audience
While common in the UK and Australia, some people in the Northern US might find it sounds a bit 'old-fashioned' or 'country'.
The Question Trick
Asking `What do you reckon?` is a great way to make someone feel their opinion is valued without being too formal.
Examples
6I reckon we should just order pizza tonight.
I think we should just order pizza tonight.
A relaxed way to make a suggestion.
I reckon it's going to pour down any minute.
I think it's going to rain very soon.
Used here to make a prediction based on the sky.
I reckon the client will love these new designs.
I believe the client will like these designs.
Softens the opinion so it doesn't sound too aggressive.
I reckon that was the best movie I've seen all year!
I think that was the best movie this year.
Shows enthusiasm in an informal way.
I reckon the cat thinks he's the actual boss of this house.
I think the cat believes he is in charge.
Adds a touch of personality to a funny thought.
I reckon everything is going to turn out just fine.
I believe everything will be okay.
Sounds more sincere and warm than 'I think'.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete this casual opinion.
What do you ___? Should we take the bus or walk?
'What do you reckon?' is the standard way to ask for a casual opinion.
Complete the sentence to agree with a friend.
A: Is it going to be a long meeting? B: I ___ so.
'I reckon so' is a very common idiomatic way to say 'I think so'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of 'I Reckon'
Slang and street talk
I guess so
Friends, family, casual coworkers
I reckon
Standard daily English
I think
Business reports, speeches
I believe
Where to use 'I Reckon'
At the Pub
I reckon it's your turn to buy a round!
Watching Sports
I reckon they'll win in the second half.
Texting
I reckon I'll be there by 8.
Family Dinner
I reckon this is the best pie you've made.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesWhat do you ___? Should we take the bus or walk?
'What do you reckon?' is the standard way to ask for a casual opinion.
A: Is it going to be a long meeting? B: I ___ so.
'I reckon so' is a very common idiomatic way to say 'I think so'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly grammatical. It is simply an informal verb choice, like using get instead of receive.
Only if you know the person well and the office culture is casual. In a formal email to a new client, use I believe or I think instead.
I guess sounds a bit more uncertain, like you're unsure. I reckon sounds like you've actually thought about it a little bit.
Not at all! It is extremely common in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand as well. It's a global English term.
No, it's best for opinions. You wouldn't say I reckon 2+2 is 4. You use it for things that are debatable, like I reckon it's going to be a hot summer.
The most common way is What do you reckon? You can also ask Do you reckon it'll work? to check someone's confidence.
In some very specific circles, it might sound rural, but generally, it just sounds friendly and down-to-earth. Even professors use it in casual conversation!
The past tense is reckoned. For example: I reckoned he wouldn't show up, and I was right.
No, we almost never use it in the continuous form. Stick to the simple present I reckon.
They are very similar! I suppose sounds a bit more hesitant or even slightly annoyed, while I reckon is usually more positive or neutral.
Related Phrases
I figure
A North American equivalent used to express a logical conclusion.
I suppose
Used when you think something is true but aren't happy about it or are uncertain.
In my book
An idiom meaning 'in my personal opinion'.
I'd say
A very common way to offer an estimate or opinion.
