give something thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give something thought" is not correct; the correct expression is "give something some thought." You can use it when suggesting that someone should consider or reflect on a particular idea or decision.
Example: "Before making a final decision, please give it some thought."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The toxic views would come out and they would either be blunted or neutralised, or at least [pupils] would be given something to think about.

The Guardian

These 'need states' are essentially mood based and interest led – 'cheer me up', 'help me escape'giveive me something thought provoking'".

TechCrunch

When done right, it can give us something to think about, something serious.

The New York Times

This will give people something to think of when they think of you!

WikiHow

In the midst of change, we're often asked to give up something we thought we couldn't live without.

Huffington Post

Interesting people give you something to think about, or something to do, check out, share.

Forbes

As much as you want to thinks actors ain't human I want to give you something to think about.

Huffington Post

I had to give every shot thought and something clicked.

The Guardian - Sport

"You know, at least give her something to think about.

The New York Times - Sports

But "Straw Dogs" does give you something to think about.

The New York Times

And Steinberg cartoons always give you something to think about.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you intend to suggest that someone should consider something, always use the correct idiomatic expression: "give something some thought".

Common error

A common mistake is to omit the word "some" when using this phrase. Remember that the correct form is "give something some thought."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give something thought" in its incorrect form, attempts to function as a verb phrase, suggesting the action of considering or reflecting on something. However, according to Ludwig AI, the correct form is "give something some thought".

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give something thought" is grammatically incorrect. The correct idiomatic expression is "give something some thought", which means to consider something carefully. Ludwig AI identifies this error and suggests the addition of "some" to achieve grammatical correctness. Although the intended purpose of the phrase is to encourage consideration, its incorrect usage undermines its effectiveness, particularly in formal contexts. Alternatives like "consider something" or "reflect on something" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give something some thought

Adding "some" makes the phrase grammatically correct and idiomatic.

consider something

This is a more concise way of saying to think about something.

reflect on something

Emphasizes a deeper, more contemplative consideration.

contemplate something

Suggests a thoughtful observation or consideration.

ponder something

Implies a careful and prolonged thought process.

think over something

Suggests a thorough evaluation of something.

deliberate on something

Indicates a formal and careful discussion before making a decision.

weigh something up

This implies evaluating the pros and cons of something.

meditate on something

Suggests a deeply thoughtful and often spiritual consideration.

ruminate on something

Implies turning something over and over in your mind.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "give something thought"?

The correct and idiomatic way to express this is to "give something some thought".

What does it mean to "give something some thought"?

To "give something some thought" means to consider it carefully and seriously.

Are there other ways to say "give something some thought"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "consider something", "reflect on something", or "think over something".

Is "give something thought" grammatically correct?

No, "give something thought" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is to "give something some thought".