rethink

USAGE SUMMARY

'rethink' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of thinking something through again, usually with the intention of making a change or reaching a new conclusion. Example sentence: We need to rethink our strategy to ensure success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Australian Education Union's national president, Angelo Gavrielatos, called on the government to rethink the future of the program in light of the second successful high court challenge against funding arrangements.

The Guardian

Since then, the Rocky Mountain Instistute has advised many of the world's largest companies and dozens of countries how to reduce bills with renewables and has challenged the giant car, aviation and construction industries to rethink the way they operate.

The Guardian

My daughter, the failure, has taught me how to rethink the meaning of success, and I could not be more proud.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you know something's going wrong, keep quiet and rethink.

The Guardian - Music

Jarvis has challenged Liam Fox, the defence secretary, to rethink the SDSR on the grounds that some of its thinking is now out of date.

The Guardian

The buzz: "This type of music will make you rethink your life".

The Guardian - Music

Forbidden Zone's rehearsals suggests a director not so much running away from British theatre as trying to rethink its traditions – which makes it seem slightly absurd that fans of her work now have to travel to Germany to see it.

The Guardian

But I've heard from a lot of men who say reading these articles has made them rethink sexist behaviour that they had previously considered to be harmless.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In terms of chest-pounding campaign slogans, Come and Vote Again and Maybe We'll Rethink Our Attitudes About the SNP isn't exactly Hope and Change.

The Guardian

Leonardo's project was scientific as well as aesthetic, a conscious attempt to work at the limit of existing technology and to rethink age-old traditions of casting.

The Guardian - Arts

Our view of the NHS and of the nursing role is still based on the traditional picture of matrons in white caps, but we need to look at the evidence and rethink who is best placed to deliver care of a high quality, and how to ensure that this also represents value for money.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rethink", consider the specific aspect you're re-evaluating to provide clarity and context. Instead of saying 'We need to rethink', specify 'We need to rethink our marketing strategy'.

Common error

Avoid using "rethink" without specifying what needs to be rethought. Vague statements like 'It needs a rethink' are less effective than specifying 'The budget needs a rethink' because they lack focus.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rethink" is a verb, indicating the action of thinking again about something, often to change or improve it. It can also function as a noun, referring to the act of reconsidering. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of "rethink" in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rethink" is a versatile term, functioning as both a verb and a noun, primarily used to advocate for reconsideration and potential revision. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. Its frequency is "very common", particularly in news media, formal business contexts, and scientific discussions. To ensure effective communication, specify what requires a "rethink" and aim for clarity in your writing. While alternatives like "reconsider", "re-evaluate", and "revise" offer nuanced differences, "rethink" remains a straightforward and widely applicable choice for suggesting a fresh perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reconsider

This term suggests a more careful and thorough deliberation than a simple "rethink".

re-evaluate

This implies a structured assessment to determine the value or importance of something again.

reassess

Focuses on the process of re-examining and judging the value of something.

re-examine

Highlights a closer, more detailed inspection than just a "rethink".

revise

Suggests making alterations and improvements to something already existing.

revisit

Implies going back to something previously considered, often for further analysis.

adjust

Focuses on making small changes to improve something.

amend

Suggests making formal changes or corrections to a document or plan.

modify

Indicates making changes to the characteristics or content of something.

iterate

Implies a cyclical process of review and improvement.

FAQs

How can I use "rethink" in a sentence?

You can use "rethink" to express the need to reconsider a plan, strategy, or idea. For example, "We need to "rethink" our approach to customer service".

What's a more formal alternative to "rethink"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "reconsider", "re-evaluate", or "reassess". These alternatives are often suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Is "rethink" a noun or a verb?

"Rethink" can function as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it means to think again about something. As a noun, it refers to the act of thinking again, like "This plan needs a "rethink"".

What's the difference between "rethink" and "revise"?

"Rethink" implies a more fundamental reconsideration, while "revise" suggests making alterations or improvements to something already existing. You "rethink" a strategy, but you might "revise" a document.