simply to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply to think" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of engaging in thought or contemplation without any additional actions or complexities. Example: "In moments of silence, I find it refreshing simply to think about my goals and aspirations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The trick is simply to think laterally, not prostitutionally.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have time to rehearse, time simply to think.

The New Yorker

Simply to think back to the wedding is to undergo a strange perceptual immobilization.

The New Yorker

James Lovelock and Ian McEwan are the talk of this Saturday, and I find myself thinking, often, of the power of books, novels as well as non-fiction, in getting us simply to think differently.

The Guardian - Books

It is better, perhaps, simply to think of him as an artist changed from what he was in his prime, during the 1960's, when his recordings of Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev were mainstays of the Columbia Masterworks catalog.

The New York Times - Arts

Draghi replies that "I am what I am", and that the key to handling the crisis is simply to "think with your head", rather than worrying about internal disputes.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Or perhaps the goal is simply to remember to think outside the box.

Huffington Post

Considering the clothes don't make the person, they are not incredibly important in whether or not someone happens to be goth, but simply something to think about if you wish.

WikiHow

It's simply crazy to think otherwise".

The Guardian

It's simply unreasonable to think we can muddle through".

The New York Times

Instead of the refund he says he was simply "invited to think happy thoughts".

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply to think" when you want to convey a sense of ease or lack of complication in the act of thinking. It emphasizes that no additional actions or efforts are required besides engaging in thought.

Common error

Avoid using "simply to think" in contexts that require deep analysis or complex problem-solving. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where the thought process is straightforward and uncomplicated. Overusing this phrase can trivialize situations that require more nuanced thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply to think" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an implied verb of action or state. It indicates a basic mental process without further complexity, as validated by Ludwig AI. The adverb 'simply' modifies the infinitive verb 'to think'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "simply to think" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-registered phrase that suggests an uncomplicated act of thinking. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across diverse sources like news outlets and scientific publications. When using "simply to think", consider the context to avoid oversimplifying complex situations. Alternative phrases such as "merely to consider" or "just to contemplate" offer similar meanings with slight variations. Remember to consider the situation and use the most appropriate phrase!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely to consider

Replaces "simply" with "merely", emphasizing the lack of complexity in the consideration.

just to contemplate

Substitutes "think" with "contemplate", focusing on a more reflective form of thought. The adverb is also altered to 'just'.

only to ponder

Uses "ponder" instead of "think", implying a deeper level of consideration, and replaces "simply" with "only".

plainly to reflect

Employs "reflect" instead of "think", suggesting a focus on reviewing or considering past events. Replaces "simply" with "plainly".

purely to imagine

Changes "think" to "imagine", shifting the context to creative thought or visualization, and uses "purely" instead of "simply".

easily to suppose

Replaces "think" with "suppose", indicating a more tentative or hypothetical consideration, and uses "easily" instead of "simply".

naturally to assume

Substitutes "think" with "assume", suggesting a thought based on prior knowledge or expectations, and uses "naturally" instead of "simply".

directly to reason

Changes "think" to "reason", focusing on a logical and structured thought process, and replaces "simply" with "directly".

clearly to understand

Employs "understand" instead of "think", indicating a goal of comprehension or clarity, and uses "clearly" instead of "simply".

fundamentally to assess

Replaces "think" with "assess", suggesting an evaluation or judgment is involved, and uses "fundamentally" instead of "simply".

FAQs

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

You can use "simply to think" to express the idea of engaging in thought without any additional actions or complexities. For example: "In moments of silence, I find it refreshing "simply to think" about my goals and aspirations."

What are some alternatives to "simply to think"?

You can use alternatives like "merely to consider", "just to contemplate", or "only to ponder" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "simply to think"?

While grammatically correct, using "simply to think" in situations requiring deep analysis or complex problem-solving might not be appropriate. It's best suited for straightforward thought processes.

What is the difference between "simply to think" and "just to think"?

The phrases are very similar. "Simply to think" emphasizes the ease and lack of complication in the thought process, while "just to think" can highlight the basic act of thinking without further action. They are often interchangeable.