please think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please think" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to consider or reflect on something. Example: "Before making a decision, please think about the potential consequences of your actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Please think for Flora, as a woman in your community, and imagine what she would be thinking and feeling at this time.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Please think again.

The Guardian

Please think of another.

The Guardian - Music

Please think of the cat".

The New York Times

Please think of those kids".

The New Yorker

"So please think about this a little.

The New Yorker

Won't someone please think of the pandas?

The Guardian

Please think twice before lining their pockets further.

Independent

Please think about dropping into comments and sharing.

The New York Times

Please think twice and think hard about this.

The New York Times

Please think about that the next time you eat meat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please think", ensure the context is clear and the subject of thought is easily understood. For example, "Please think about the consequences before you act."

Common error

Avoid using "please think" in situations where a direct command is more appropriate. For example, instead of "Please think faster!" in an emergency, use "Focus now!".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please think" primarily functions as a polite imperative. It is used to urge or request someone to engage in a cognitive process, such as considering a situation, making a decision, or reflecting on a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "please think" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to politely urge someone to consider something carefully. According to Ludwig AI, it's frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in situations requiring direct commands. For alternatives, consider phrases like "kindly consider" or "reflect on" to add nuance to your request. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its practical application across various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kindly consider

Emphasizes a polite request for consideration.

carefully consider

Highlights the importance of thorough deliberation.

reflect on

Suggests a deeper level of introspection.

give thought to

Implies dedicating time and attention to a topic.

bear in mind

Reminds someone to remember or take into account.

take into account

Focuses on including certain factors in one's evaluation.

ponder

Suggests a more contemplative and thoughtful consideration.

deliberate on

Implies a formal and careful discussion or thought process.

give it some thought

Requests consideration, often in a casual context.

think it over

Implies considering something before making a decision.

FAQs

How can I use "please think" in a sentence?

Use "please think" when you want to politely encourage someone to consider something carefully. For example, "Please think about the implications before making a decision."

What are some alternatives to "please think"?

Alternatives include "kindly consider", "carefully consider", or "reflect on", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "please think"?

While generally polite, "please think" might sound condescending if used in a situation where someone is already actively thinking. In those cases, consider saying something like "Have you considered this perspective?"

What's the difference between "please think" and "think carefully"?

"Please think" is a direct request, while "think carefully" is a more general recommendation. "Please think" is often used when urging immediate consideration, whereas "think carefully" suggests a more prolonged reflection.