I think of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I think of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing thoughts or memories related to a specific subject or person. Example: "Whenever I hear that song, I think of the summer we spent together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think of ice.

The New Yorker

I think of Iceland.

The New Yorker

I think of Anon.

The New Yorker

"I think of kids.

The New Yorker

I think of you always".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I think of my father".

The New Yorker

I think of them often.

Independent

I think of swordfish kebabs.

The New York Times - Food

"I think of Luka Modric.

Independent

I think of this often.

The New York Times

I think of nuclear secrets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "I think of", consider the emotional tone of the connection. This phrase works well for personal reflections and nostalgic sentiments.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "I think of" in academic or professional contexts. This can make your writing sound repetitive and less authoritative. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "I recall", "I associate with", or rephrasing to eliminate the phrase altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I think of" functions as an introductory expression to convey a thought, memory, or association. Ludwig AI shows that it is often followed by a noun or noun phrase, indicating the object of thought. The expression helps to establish a personal connection or reflection.

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 of" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce thoughts, memories, or associations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is prevalent in news and media, reflecting a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When writing, be mindful of overusing the phrase, especially in formal settings, and consider alternatives to enhance clarity and sophistication. Remember that it is suitable for expressing personal connections, memories, or spontaneous associations and is more at home in narrative or descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I remember

Highlights the act of bringing something back to one's mind from the past.

I recall

Similar to remember but often implies a more conscious effort to bring something to mind.

I consider

Suggests a more formal and careful assessment than just thinking about something.

I reflect on

This implies a deeper, more meditative consideration of a past event or idea.

I contemplate

This phrase suggests a more deliberate and focused consideration compared to simply thinking of something.

It occurs to me

Indicates a thought suddenly entering one's mind.

I associate with

Focuses on the connection or link one makes between things, rather than the thought process itself.

I have a feeling about

Expresses an intuition or hunch rather than a reasoned thought.

I imagine

This emphasizes visualization and creativity in one's thoughts, moving beyond mere recall.

I envision

Suggests a clear mental picture, often related to future possibilities or goals.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I think of" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I contemplate", "I reflect on", or "I consider", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "I think of" in writing?

"I think of" is suitable for expressing personal connections, memories, or spontaneous associations. It works well in narrative or descriptive writing but may be less appropriate in highly formal or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "I think of" and "I remember"?

While both phrases involve bringing something to mind, "I think of" often implies a more general association or connection, while "I remember" typically refers to recalling a specific past event or experience.

Can I use "I think of" to express an opinion?

While you can use "I think of" to introduce a thought, it's not the most direct way to express an opinion. Phrases like "in my opinion" or "I believe" are generally more effective for stating opinions clearly.