think hard about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "think hard about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to think deeply and carefully about a particular subject or situation. For example, "You should think hard about why you're feeling so unmotivated at work."

✓ 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 about that choice.

The New York Times - Tech

Labour should think hard about its response.

The Guardian - Opinion

Did you think hard about speaking out?

The Guardian

You should think hard about it".

The New York Times

"Think hard about what you are doing," he said.

The New York Times

Please think twice and think hard about this.

The New York Times

I don't need to think hard about the answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

You just have to think hard about it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Duncan did think hard about leaving San Antonio.

The New York Times - Sports

They need to think hard about their position on that.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "think hard about", ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject or decision requiring careful consideration. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your message.

Common error

While "think hard about" is versatile, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "consider" or "reflect" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think hard about" functions primarily as a verb phrase, urging or suggesting a deep and careful consideration of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It emphasizes the intensity and thoroughness of the thought process required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "think hard about" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that encourages thorough consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a verb phrase, pushing for a deeper level of analysis. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts and is generally neutral in register. For more formal settings, synonyms like "consider carefully" might be preferred. Remember to use "think hard about" when you want to emphasize the importance of careful deliberation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give serious thought to

Highlights the importance and weight given to the subject being considered.

consider carefully

Emphasizes the need for meticulous attention to detail in the thought process.

weigh carefully

Suggests a balanced assessment of different factors or options.

reflect deeply on

This suggests a more introspective and thorough consideration.

apply rigorous reasoning to

Emphasizes the application of logic and critical thinking to the subject.

deliberate thoroughly

Focuses on a comprehensive and unhurried examination of all aspects.

chew over

This is a more informal way of saying to consider something at length.

ponder extensively

Implies a lengthy and thoughtful process of consideration.

ruminate at length

Implies a deep and prolonged period of contemplation.

meditate upon

Indicates a more spiritual or philosophical form of deep thought.

FAQs

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

Use "think hard about" when you want to emphasize the need for careful consideration, as in "You should "give serious thought to" your career options before making a decision".

What's a more formal alternative to "think hard about"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "consider carefully", "reflect deeply on", or "deliberate thoroughly" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it correct to say "think hardly about" instead of "think hard about"?

No, "think hardly about" is incorrect. "Hard" in this context is an adverb meaning intensely or with great effort. "Hardly" means scarcely or barely, which changes the meaning entirely.

What is the difference between "think about" and "think hard about"?

"Think about" simply means to consider something, while "think hard about" implies a more intense and focused effort of consideration. "Think hard about" suggests a situation requiring significant mental effort or deliberation.