think about doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'think about doing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express the idea of considering taking an action. For example, "I'm thinking about doing some volunteer work this summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

("Low on the List of Life-Saving Ideas") Think about doing, well, something!

The New York Times

He said, "Think about doing that all day.

Vice

You really should think about doing podcasts".

The New York Times

"I think about doing my work well".

The New York Times

Then think about doing some cooking.

The New York Times - Food

Perhaps not, but I certainly think about doing it.

Independent

Never, ever even think about doing anything else but PRACTICE!

Independent

Even biologists think about doing it, though it puzzles them.

The New York Times - Books

"You would never think about doing that in the States".

The New York Times - Sports

"But actually, I think about doing it every day".

The New York Times

Or think about doing your dissertation with an organisation.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "think about doing", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are simply considering an action or have a genuine intention to pursue it. The phrase is versatile but should be used precisely to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly stating you "think about doing" something without ever taking action. Balance contemplation with execution to avoid appearing indecisive or passive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think about doing" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of contemplating or considering a particular action. It highlights the cognitive process of weighing options or possibilities before committing to a decision, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "think about doing" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to express consideration of an action. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, ranging from News & Media to Academia. While versatile, clarity is key: ensure the context makes clear whether you are simply contemplating an action or genuinely intending to pursue it. Alternatives such as ""consider doing"" or ""contemplate doing"" can add nuance, depending on the intended meaning. Avoid overusing the phrase without demonstrating eventual action to maintain a sense of decisiveness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider doing

Focuses more directly on the act of considering, omitting the preparatory thought process.

contemplate doing

Suggests a more prolonged and serious consideration.

entertain the idea of doing

Implies a willingness to consider something, often a new or unusual idea.

mull over doing

Conveys a sense of quiet reflection and deliberation.

weigh up doing

Highlights the process of balancing the pros and cons.

give thought to doing

Formal expression, emphasizing careful consideration.

ponder doing

Implies a deep and thoughtful consideration, similar to contemplating.

reflect on doing

Focuses on thinking back and reviewing the potential action.

have in mind to do

Indicates a plan or intention that is being considered.

explore the possibility of doing

Emphasizes the investigation and assessment of the action's feasibility.

FAQs

How can I use "think about doing" in a sentence?

You can use "think about doing" to express consideration of an action, such as "I'm going to "think about doing" some volunteer work this summer" or "Have you "thought about doing" a course to improve your skills?"

What are some alternatives to "think about doing"?

Alternatives include "consider doing", "contemplate doing", or "entertain the idea of doing", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "consider doing" instead of "think about doing"?

While both are acceptable, "consider doing" can be perceived as slightly more formal and direct compared to ""think about doing"", which implies a more general contemplation.

What's the difference between "dream of doing" and "think about doing"?

"Dream of doing" implies a strong desire or aspiration, often unrealistic, while ""think about doing"" suggests a more rational and practical consideration of an action.