think intently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "think intently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a focused and deep level of thought or concentration on a particular subject or problem. Example: "In order to solve the complex equation, I had to think intently about each step of the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"There are those who think intently about doing things that build muscle and find that their only intent is to improve physical appearance.

Vice

Don't think intently about what you're doing when you're turning, just do it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He thought intently for several very long moments, and then said, "I think it could do without all the development, except, of course, 4 Times Square".

The New York Times - Magazine

The doctor sees him dim when he thinks intently about a girl named Lois, whom he knew one enjoyable summer in Buffalo The doctor sends him to a famous clinic in Baltimore, where his trouble is diagnosed as autohypnosis.

The New Yorker

In "hot" processing, a person thinks intently about the object causing temptation, and especially about its most appealing elements, and is subsequently less able to resist the immediate reward.

Wikipedia

Games that make us think this intently about death – fearing it, planning for it, pondering its aftermath – are thin on the ground.

Vice

Finally, that letter arrived; I HAD to think more intently".

BMC Medical Ethics

The artist thinks as intently as the scientist.

SEP

I think he listened intently".

The New York Times

Listen intently and think of things to say while somebody else is talking.

WikiHow

But that doesn't mean that he hasn't thought about it intently, or that it hasn't shaped his ambition to prove "that food dismissed as 'ethnic' by the fine-­dining world could be produced at the same level as their sacred bouillabaisses and veloutés".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "think intently" to describe situations where focused and prolonged mental effort is required to understand or solve a problem. For instance, "To grasp the complex philosophical concept, she had to think intently about its underlying principles."

Common error

Avoid using "think intently" in everyday situations where simple thinking is sufficient. Opt for simpler phrases like "think carefully" or "consider" when the situation doesn't demand deep mental effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think intently" functions as a verb-adverb combination, where 'think' is the verb indicating a cognitive process, and 'intently' is the adverb modifying the verb to specify the manner of thinking—with great focus and concentration. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is grammatically correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "think intently" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe a state of deep mental concentration. Ludwig's analysis of various sources indicates that while not extremely common, it is utilized in contexts ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. Its function is primarily to emphasize the focused effort put into the thinking process. When writing, it's best used in situations that require a significant amount of mental effort to avoid sounding overly formal or dramatic in simple contexts. Consider alternatives like "ponder deeply" or "contemplate carefully" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ponder deeply

Focuses on the depth of consideration rather than the intensity of thought.

contemplate carefully

Emphasizes thoroughness and attention to detail in thinking.

deliberate thoughtfully

Highlights the measured and considerate nature of the thinking process.

reflect deeply

Suggests a more introspective and retrospective form of intense thinking.

focus intently

Shifts focus from thinking to a more general concentration but retains intensity.

meditate deeply

Implies a more spiritual or mindful approach to intense thinking.

ruminate intensely

Suggests a persistent and sometimes anxious form of deep thinking.

consider closely

Emphasizes a detailed and careful examination of a subject.

weigh carefully

Indicates a balanced and thoughtful evaluation of different options.

analyze thoroughly

Highlights the analytical aspect of thinking, emphasizing completeness.

FAQs

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

"Think intently" describes focusing deeply on something. For example, "He had to think intently to solve the complex puzzle."

What are some alternatives to "think intently"?

You can use alternatives like "ponder deeply", "contemplate carefully", or "reflect deeply" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "think intently" or "think carefully"?

"Think intently" implies a deeper level of concentration than "think carefully". Use "think intently" when the situation requires significant mental effort; otherwise, "think carefully" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "think intently" and "focus intently"?

"Think intently" refers specifically to intense mental processing. "Focus intently" describes concentrated attention, which can apply to both mental and physical activities.