think hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "think hard" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the need to think deeply and carefully about something. For example: "You need to think hard to come up with an innovative solution to this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While we think hard about mechanisms, we are always thinking of the bigger picture too – the avenue forward to therapeutics.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

Think hard".

The New York Times

They should think hard.

The Economist

Think hard about that choice.

The New York Times - Tech

Now, think hard.

The New Yorker

"What do you think?" "Hard to tell.

The New Yorker

Think hard -- and act independently.

The New York Times

Nobody has to think hard.

The New York Times - Books

But we must think hard.

The Guardian

Labour should think hard about its response.

The Guardian - Opinion

Journalists should think hard before doing otherwise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "think hard" to encourage thorough consideration before making a decision or forming an opinion. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, indicating the importance of careful thought.

Common error

Avoid using "think hard" as a substitute for actual analysis or research. It's a prompt for deeper thinking, not a replacement for understanding the nuances of a situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think hard" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to engage in careful and thorough consideration. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently used to emphasize the importance of deep thought before taking action or making a decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "think hard" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to encourage careful and thorough consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions primarily as an imperative, urging someone to engage in deep thought before making decisions. It's versatile, fitting into neutral registers and commonly found in news, media, and wiki contexts. While alternatives like "ponder deeply" or "consider carefully" exist, "think hard" provides a direct and effective way to emphasize the importance of thoughtful deliberation. Remember to use "think hard" as a prompt for genuine analysis, not as a substitute for understanding the complexities of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think long and hard

Adds emphasis to the duration and intensity of the thinking process.

give serious thought

Emphasizes the importance and weight given to the thinking process.

consider carefully

Focuses on the attentiveness and precision in the thinking process, rather than the effort.

apply your mind

Focuses on directing one's mental faculties towards a specific task or problem.

ponder deeply

Emphasizes the depth of thought, suggesting a more contemplative approach than "think hard".

reflect thoroughly

Highlights the act of reviewing and analyzing information in detail.

deliberate intensely

Suggests a focused and concentrated effort in decision-making or problem-solving.

use your head

This is more colloquial and implies using one's intelligence and common sense.

rack your brains

Suggests a strenuous mental effort to remember or figure something out.

excogitate

This is a more formal and less common term for thinking something out thoroughly.

FAQs

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

You can use "think hard" to emphasize the need for careful consideration, as in "You should "think hard" before making such a significant decision".

What are some alternatives to "think hard"?

Alternatives include "ponder deeply", "consider carefully", or "give serious thought", depending on the context.

Is "think hard" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "think hard" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing, although more formal alternatives like "reflect thoroughly" may be preferred in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "think hard" and "think long and hard"?

"Think long and hard" emphasizes the duration and intensity of thought more strongly than just "think hard". It suggests a more prolonged and difficult deliberation.