a good think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good think" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a misinterpretation of "a good thing," which is commonly used to express a positive aspect or benefit of something. Example: "It's a good thing that we prepared in advance for the meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

[via Twitter[b]: QUESTION FROM CARL : Had a good think about it; don't mind the trees.

The New Yorker

"Every hole is a good think, a good test of golf.

Independent

Like many of you, Michael Harrison-Russell's been having a good think in the comments.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I had a good think about what I was doing, and I've changed my lifestyle around now," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

She answered: "I would actually take a few months to have a good think about it... he is (Simon) on his best behaviour... nothing to do with money".

Independent

The England fans who had the audacity to celebrate with a rousing chorus of "football's coming home" want to have a good think.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"That's a good thing to think about, and people should think about it," he said.

The New Yorker

That's a good thing, I think.

The New York Times - Travel

Any endorsement from Noel G is a good thing, I think.

The Guardian - Music

I'll need to sit down and have a really good think".

BBC

Perhaps it's time she herself has a good old think about the purpose of government.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you intend to convey the idea of careful consideration or reflection, it's best to replace the phrase "a good think" with grammatically correct alternatives like "serious thought", "thorough consideration", or "deep reflection".

Common error

Avoid using "think" as a noun in this context. "Think" is primarily a verb. To refer to the act of thinking, use a noun form such as "thought", "consideration", or "reflection".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good think" functions primarily as a noun phrase, although its grammatical correctness is questionable. It aims to describe the act of thinking, but in a non-standard way. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect but provides examples of its usage in various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

20%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a good think" is relatively common, Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's used to express the act of thinking or considering something carefully, especially in News & Media and Wiki. For formal writing and speech, it's advisable to use alternatives like "careful consideration", "deep reflection", or "serious thought". When aiming for precise and clear communication, choosing grammatically sound alternatives will enhance the credibility and effectiveness of your writing. Remember that while it appears in several contexts, its non-standard usage makes it less suitable for formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a good thought

Changes the noun to reflect the product of thinking rather than the act itself.

a thorough consideration

Replaces the general term with a more formal synonym emphasizing completeness.

careful contemplation

Emphasizes the depth and focus of the thinking process.

deep reflection

Highlights the introspective and profound nature of the thinking.

serious deliberation

Suggests a formal and weighty process of decision-making.

extensive analysis

Focuses on a detailed and comprehensive examination of a subject.

in-depth review

Highlights a thorough and detailed examination of something.

some serious thought

Emphasizes the importance and weight of the thinking process.

consider something carefully

Focuses on the act of considering with attention and care.

ponder something deeply

Replaces the more general term with a synonym connoting profound thoughtfulness.

FAQs

What's wrong with the phrase "a good think"?

The phrase "a good think" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's more appropriate to say "a good thought" or use a different phrase altogether, such as "serious consideration".

What can I say instead of "a good think"?

You can use alternatives like "a good thought", "careful consideration", or "deep reflection" depending on the context.

Is "a good think" ever appropriate?

While "a good think" might appear in informal contexts, it's generally better to use more standard English. In formal writing, it's advisable to avoid it.

How can I improve my grammar and usage of phrases related to thinking?

Focus on using correct noun forms and prepositions. For example, instead of "having a think", use "having a good thought" or "giving something careful consideration".