I will think on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I will think on" is not commonly used in standard written English; the more accepted form is "I will think about." You can use it when you want to express that you will consider or reflect on something, although it may sound somewhat archaic or less formal.
Example: "I will think on your suggestion and get back to you with my thoughts."

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I will think on it and I will think on it and I will think on it, and you watch".

The New York Times - Books

Individuals now faced one another as equals, and the language of the feudal household — "please" (as in "if you please, My Lord") and "thank you" (which derives from "think," as in "I will think on it" or remember) — lost its deferential connotations and entered everyday life.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

On my deathbed I will think back on that doughnut".

The New York Times - Food

I will think and read on this too.

Yale University

Hopefully with the victory here last year, I'll think better on the course and better in majors".

The New York Times - Sports

Hopefully one sip of this and I'll think I'm on Elton John's yacht.

Vice

I'll think about that on the way down".

The New York Times

I'll think, "Shit, come on guys, get together, talk to each other".

The Guardian - Sport

Maybe I'll think about it on the plane.

Los Angeles Times

Anyway, I'll think about it on the plane tomorrow".

Huffington Post

"I think on Friday he will have no pain anymore.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "I will think on" is grammatically acceptable, consider using more common alternatives like "I will think about" or "I will consider" to ensure clarity and avoid sounding archaic. Using more common alternatives improves the communication.

Common error

Avoid consistently using phrases like "I will think on" if your goal is to communicate clearly in modern contexts. Overuse can make your writing appear affected or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I will think on" functions as a statement of intent to consider something. It is a declaration that the speaker intends to engage in a process of reflection or deliberation. As shown in Ludwig, while grammatically sound, it is not as common as its alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I will think on" is a grammatically acceptable phrase expressing intent to consider something, but it is less common in modern English. Ludwig AI highlights that alternatives like "I will think about" or "I will consider" are generally preferred for clarity and contemporary style. While the phrase appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and BBC, it carries a slightly formal or archaic tone. Therefore, while correct, its usage should be deliberate, considering the context and audience. Alternatives such as "I will reflect on that", "I will consider that" and "I will give that some thought" are generally more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I will reflect on that

Replaces 'think' with 'reflect', suggesting deeper contemplation.

I will consider that

Uses 'consider' for a more standard way of expressing thoughtfulness.

I will mull that over

Employs a more idiomatic expression for pondering something.

I will ponder that

Substitutes 'think' with 'ponder', indicating a more serious consideration.

I will give that some thought

Uses a common expression to indicate future consideration.

I will meditate on that

Suggests a more contemplative and perhaps spiritual reflection.

I will deliberate on that

Implies a careful and thorough consideration.

I will chew on that

Informal way of saying you will consider the topic at hand.

I will take that into consideration

A longer, more formal way of saying you'll think about something.

I will ruminate on that

Suggests a deep and prolonged thought process.

FAQs

What does "I will think on" mean?

The phrase "I will think on" means that you will consider or reflect upon something. While grammatically correct, it is less common in modern English than alternatives such as "I will think about".

Is "I will think on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I will think on" is grammatically correct, though it sounds somewhat archaic. Modern usage typically favors alternatives like /s/I+will+think+about or /s/I+will+consider.

When should I use "I will think on"?

You can use "I will think on" if you aim for a slightly old-fashioned or formal tone. However, in most contemporary contexts, phrases like /s/I+will+consider or /s/I+will+reflect+on are more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "I will think on"?

Alternatives to "I will think on" include /s/I+will+think+about, /s/I+will+consider, /s/I+will+reflect+on, /s/I+will+ponder+that, and /s/I+will+give+that+some+thought. These options are more common in modern English.