and to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and to think" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express a realization or reflection about a situation, typically introducing a thought that may evoke surprise or contemplation. Example: "I used to believe that I would never travel abroad, and to think I've now visited five countries in just two years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And to think that's better!

Independent

And to think, he's only 29.

The New York Times

And to think, they almost won.

The New York Times - Sports

And to think he's still only 23.

The Guardian - Sport

And to think England have problems.

The Guardian - Sport

And to think, free agency has not even started yet.

The New York Times

"And to think we had just started getting along!

Independent

And to think the Lord was right next door.

The New Yorker

And to think we can is not rational".

The New York Times

And to think I once had doubts about this town.

The New York Times - Travel

And to think it all began in a dream.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "and to think" to introduce a surprising or ironic contrast to a previous statement, creating emphasis or highlighting an unexpected outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "and to think" when simply adding a related fact without an element of surprise or irony. The phrase should introduce a realization or reflection, not just any subsequent thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and to think" serves as a conjunction, connecting a prior statement or situation to a subsequent realization or reflection. As supported by Ludwig, it often introduces a surprising or ironic element. This contrasts with a simple continuation of thought.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "and to think" functions as a conjunction to introduce a surprising or reflective thought, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it effectively conveys surprise or irony, avoiding its application as a mere continuation of thought. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is neutral register, meaning it can be used in most contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to think that

A more concise version of the original phrase, retaining the element of reflection.

it's hard to believe

Emphasizes the difficulty in accepting a particular fact or situation.

who would have thought

Expresses surprise at an unexpected outcome or development.

believe it or not

Highlights the surprising or unbelievable nature of a fact.

can you imagine

Directly asks the listener to consider the surprising nature of a situation.

would you believe

A rhetorical question expressing surprise and inviting agreement.

just imagine

Similar to "can you imagine", but with a slightly more emphatic tone.

if you can imagine

Shifts focus to the act of imagining a scenario, emphasizing incredulity.

of all things

Highlights the unexpected or unusual nature of something.

it's astounding

Expresses a stronger sense of amazement or disbelief.

FAQs

How can I use "and to think" in a sentence?

Use "and to think" to introduce a surprising or ironic realization that contrasts with a previous statement. For example, "I never thought I'd enjoy hiking, and to think I now go every weekend."

What phrases are similar to "and to think"?

Alternatives include "it's hard to believe", "who would have thought", or "to think that", which all express a sense of surprise or reflection.

Is it ever incorrect to use "and to think"?

While grammatically correct, "and to think" can be misused if it doesn't introduce a surprising or contrasting thought. It's best used to highlight an ironic twist or unexpected outcome.

What's the difference between "and to think" and "believe it or not"?

"And to think" often introduces a personal reflection, while ""believe it or not"" is typically used to emphasize the surprising nature of a general fact or statement.