come to think

USAGE SUMMARY

"come to think" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression when you want to reconsider something, or think more deeply and thoroughly about it. For example: "I thought I wanted to be an engineer, but come to think of it, I think I'd rather be a doctor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Come to think of it, that is actually great thinking.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nor, come to think.

The New Yorker

A Jew, come to think of it.

The New Yorker

Come to think of it, maybe.

The New Yorker

"Come to think of it," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I'd come to think about trees.

The Guardian

Come to think of it, not much.

The Guardian - Books

Come to think of, especially for breakfast.

The Guardian

"Where people come to think and veg".

The New York Times

Probably blood, come to think of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or Gibson, come to think of it.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come to think" to introduce a realization that occurs during the course of a conversation or thought process. It adds a natural, conversational tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "come to think" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or indecisive. Use it sparingly for genuine moments of realization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come to think" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a thought or realization that occurs to the speaker or writer. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It often serves as a discourse marker, signaling a shift in thought or a reconsideration of a previous statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come to think" is a versatile and commonly used idiomatic expression that introduces a new thought or realization. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, most frequently appearing in news and media. Related phrases such as "on second thought" and "now that I think about it" offer similar ways to express a change of mind or a new understanding. When using "come to think", it is best to use the expression sparingly and avoid overuse in writing. The phrase functions as a discourse marker that signals a shift in thought or a reconsideration, making it suitable for conversations and written pieces alike.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on second thought

Emphasizes a change of mind after initial consideration.

now that I think about it

Highlights the act of reflecting and arriving at a new conclusion.

upon reflection

Suggests a more formal and deliberate reconsideration.

it occurs to me

Focuses on a sudden realization or idea.

now I realize

Indicates a newfound understanding.

having considered it

Implies a process of thoughtful examination.

in retrospect

Looks back at a past event with a new perspective.

thinking it over

Emphasizes the act of carefully considering something.

if you think about it

Invites the listener to consider something from a particular angle.

as I recall

Brings a past memory or consideration into the present.

FAQs

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

Use "come to think" to introduce a thought or realization that occurs to you mid-sentence or mid-conversation. For example: "I thought I preferred coffee, but "come to think", I actually like tea better."

What are some alternatives to "come to think"?

You can use alternatives like "on second thought", "now that I think about it", or "upon reflection" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "come to think of it" or "come to think about it"?

Both "come to think of it" and "come to think about it" are acceptable. However, "come to think of it" is more common. They both serve to introduce a thought that you've just had or something you've just realized.

What's the difference between "come to think" and "in retrospect"?

"Come to think" is used when a thought suddenly occurs to you, often during a conversation. "In retrospect" is used to describe a realization after a past event, looking back with new information or understanding.