just to think

USAGE SUMMARY

"just to think" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the idea that something is difficult, strange, or unexpected. For example: "It's hard to believe, just to think that a year ago we were in college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It made me tired just to think of it.

The New York Times

Makes my head hurt just to think of it.

The Washington Post

It tickled me pink just to think about it.

The Guardian

"My initial reaction, quite genuinely, was just to think 'OK.

The Guardian

"It gives me goose bumps just to think about it".

The New York Times

It could make you cry just to think of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

It makes me tear up just to think about it.

The Guardian - Books

"I wanted them just to think about it.

The New York Times - Sports

"It gives me palpitations just to think about it".

The New York Times

It makes Billie Jean King bilious just to think about it".

The New Yorker

The Kongo's main export, until the early eighteen-hundreds, is terrible just to think of: slaves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just to think" to introduce a surprising or emotionally impactful realization. It adds emphasis to the thought process leading to the realization.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "just to think" in formal or academic writing. More direct and concise phrasing may be more appropriate for a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just to think" functions as an introductory phrase, often setting the stage for a surprising or emotionally charged statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to emphasize the idea that something is difficult, strange, or unexpected. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use to introduce reflections and realizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

18%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just to think" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that introduces a surprising or emotionally charged realization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to emphasize the difficulty, strangeness, or unexpected nature of something. While common in News & Media, Academia, and Science, it's crucial to consider the tone and formality of your writing, as it may not always be appropriate for strictly formal contexts. When you need to express a reflection, realization or idea, "just to think" can be a good choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely considering

This alternative emphasizes the act of consideration rather than the potential emotional response.

simply contemplating

This alternative highlights the act of thoughtfully considering something.

only imagining

This alternative emphasizes the imaginative aspect of the thought process.

just pondering

This alternative implies a deeper reflection and meditation on a topic.

to merely consider

This option shifts the emphasis slightly to a more formal tone and simple act of considering.

by simply thinking

It emphasizes the easiness or simplicity of thinking as a tool of achieving something.

upon reflection

Suggests a more thoughtful and retrospective consideration.

on contemplating

Highlights the action of contemplating the idea rather than simply the act of thinking.

when I consider

Emphasizes the speaker's personal consideration and reflection on something.

the mere thought of

Expresses that the concept of thinking something is significant.

FAQs

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

You can use "just to think" to introduce a thought that evokes a particular emotion or highlights a surprising aspect. For example, "It's amazing, "just to think" that a year ago, we were complete strangers".

What are some alternatives to "just to think"?

Alternatives include "merely considering", "simply contemplating", or "only imagining", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "just to think" formal or informal?

"Just to think" tends to be more informal and conversational. In formal writing, consider using more direct and concise alternatives like "upon reflection" or "when I consider".

When is it appropriate to use "just to think"?

It's appropriate to use "just to think" when you want to emphasize a surprising or emotionally significant thought. It often serves to introduce a realization or highlight a particular aspect of a situation.