I think about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I think about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express contemplation or consideration of something. For example: "I think about starting my own business, but I'm not sure I'm ready for the risk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What do I think about?

The New York Times - Books

I think about everyone as individuals.

Science Magazine

I think about books.

The New Yorker

I think about these people.

The New York Times

"I think about Jake Bernhardt.

The New York Times

"I think about my family.

The New York Times

I think about psychological despair".

The New York Times

I think about Ibsen's "Nora".

The New Yorker

Arcadio: I think about death.

The New York Times

When I think about Manish, I think about his courage.

The New York Times

I think about you".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing deeper, more prolonged contemplation, consider using alternatives like "I ponder" or "I reflect on".

Common error

While acceptable in most situations, overuse of "I think about" in formal writing can make your prose sound less sophisticated. Opt for more formal alternatives such as "I contemplate" or "I consider" in academic or professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I think about" is to express contemplation or consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used to indicate that someone is giving thought to a particular subject, person, or idea, as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I think about" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to express contemplation or consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequent occurrence in diverse contexts, especially in News & Media, showcases its widespread acceptability. While it suits both informal and neutral settings, remember that more formal alternatives like "I contemplate" might be preferable in academic or professional writing. Use "I think about" to convey your thoughts and reflections, and choose alternative phrases for nuanced expressions of contemplation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I consider

A more neutral and general way to express thinking about something.

I contemplate

Emphasizes a more formal and deliberate consideration.

I'm thinking of

Slightly less direct and can imply planning or intention.

I ponder

Suggests a deeper, more thoughtful reflection.

I mull over

Implies a slow and careful consideration.

I reflect on

Focuses on looking back and considering past events or experiences.

I meditate on

Suggests a calm, focused, and often spiritual consideration.

I ruminate on

Implies a more anxious or obsessive style of thinking.

I dwell on

Indicates focusing on something persistently, often with negative connotations.

It crosses my mind

Suggests a fleeting thought or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "I think about" in a sentence?

You can use "I think about" to express general thoughts or considerations, for example, "I think about my family every day" or "I think about the future a lot".

What can I say instead of "I think about"?

You can use alternatives like "I contemplate", "I consider", or "I reflect on" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I think of" instead of "I think about"?

Yes, "I think of" is also correct and often interchangeable with "I think about", although "I think about" might suggest a more deliberate or prolonged consideration. For example, you might say, "I think of you often", which is similar to "I think about you often".

What's the difference between "I think about" and "I am thinking about"?

"I think about" generally refers to habitual or recurring thoughts, while "I am thinking about" refers to a specific thought in the present moment. For instance, "I think about my goals every day" versus "I am thinking about my next project right now".