[Grammar] I think/don't think they...

[NAL123]

Consider these sentences of mine, please:

1) I think they don't even care what you do.

2) I don't think they even care what you do.

What is the difference between 1) and 2)? Which one is more appropriate?

 

[tedmc]

There is no difference to me.

 

[tedmc]

Both are correct, but the second is how we more naturally express this thought. We tend to negate the verb 'think' rather than the verb that is logically negated.

There is no difference in meaning, is there?

 

[Phaedrus]

No.

I think a good demonstration of the virtual synonymy is that "I don't think so" works as a perfectly good answer to "Do they even care what you do?"