think on it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "think on it" is correct and usable in written English, though it is less common than "think about it." You can use it when suggesting that someone should consider or reflect on a particular idea or decision.
Example: "Take your time to think on it before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

But I for one might think on it the next time I don't exchange a single word on a trip to the supermarket.

Independent

Individuals now faced one another as equals, and the language of the feudal household — "please" (as in "if you please, My Lord") and "thank you" (which derives from "think," as in "I will think on it" or remember) — lost its deferential connotations and entered everyday life.

The New York Times - Books

But just think on it: A sport like basketball, with its immense requirement for physicality, might soon be grabbing a cloak that grants it more technical, critical analysis of professional games.

TechCrunch

I will think on it and I will think on it and I will think on it, and you watch".

The New York Times - Books

You think on it, and we'll watch.

The New York Times - Books

"If you have an empty wall, you can think on it better.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Lazarus thought on it all.

The New Yorker

He thought on it and the fading words ordered themselves in his mind.

The New York Times - Books

But what should we call you now?" Bolt paused, thought on it for a while.

The Guardian - Sport

Tom listened gravely to what I verbally sketched out, thought on it a couple of weeks, and then presented me with specifications.

Forbes

But the more I thought on it, the more logical it seemed.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "think on it" when you want to suggest a period of reflection, rather than immediate action. It implies a deeper consideration of the topic at hand.

Common error

Avoid using "think on it" excessively in modern contexts, as it can sound dated. Prefer more contemporary options like "think about it" or "consider it" for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think on it" primarily functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to engage in thoughtful consideration. It is often used to conclude a discussion or proposal, inviting further reflection, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "think on it" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, which suggests that someone should consider or reflect on a particular idea or decision. While "think about it" is more common in contemporary usage, "think on it" implies a more contemplative and in-depth reflection. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase appears across various contexts, including news, media, and wiki sources, indicating its relevance in both formal and informal settings. To enhance clarity and modernity in your writing, you might also consider using alternatives like "consider it" or "reflect on it". Ludwig AI confirms the validity and utility of "think on it", further supporting its inclusion in your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Consider that

A direct and common way to suggest someone takes something into account.

Give it some thought

Emphasizes the act of dedicating time and mental energy to consideration.

Reflect on that

Uses "reflect" for a more formal tone, emphasizing deeper consideration.

Mull it over

Suggests a more casual and internal process of thinking about something.

Ponder it

Suggests a more contemplative and thoughtful approach.

Contemplate it

Implies a more serious and prolonged period of reflection.

Chew on it

An informal way of saying to think about something carefully.

Deliberate on it

Suggests a formal and careful discussion and consideration.

Bear it in mind

Emphasizes remembering and taking something into account.

Take it under advisement

Implies a formal setting where advice is being taken into consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "think on it" in a sentence?

You can use "think on it" to suggest that someone should consider something carefully. For example, "I'd like you to "think on it" before making a decision".

What's the difference between "think on it" and "think about it"?

"Think on it" and "think about it" are similar, but "think on it" often implies a more contemplative and prolonged consideration. "Think about it" is a more general phrase.

What are some alternatives to saying "think on it"?

You can use alternatives like "consider it", "reflect on it", or "give it some thought" depending on the context.

Is "think on it" grammatically correct?

Yes, "think on it" is grammatically correct, although it is less commonly used in contemporary English than phrases like "think about it".