think over

USAGE SUMMARY

"think over" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to consider or contemplate something carefully, usually with the intent of making a decision. Example sentence: I need to think over the proposal before I make a decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Think over why you want your ex at the wedding.

WikiHow

You want to think over again of what you thought of in Steps 2-4.

WikiHow

"We couldn't think over there," Henley concurred.

The Guardian - Music

I think over time wages will increase.

The Guardian

"But the worst is, we think, over".

The New York Times

But he needed time to think over a third issue.

Independent

I think over all we played a really good game".

The New York Times - Sports

"I think over time, others will follow," he said.

The New York Times

"Do I think over all the world is safer?

The New York Times

Feltz: What do you think over the top means?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I think over-the-counter pain relievers are the solution," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "think over" when you want to convey the act of carefully considering something before making a decision or forming an opinion. It implies a deliberate and thoughtful process.

Common error

While "think over" is acceptable, it can sound less formal than alternatives like "consider" or "reflect on" in academic or professional writing. Choose your phrasing to match your audience and the overall tone of your document.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think over" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive one, requiring an object. It indicates the act of considering something carefully. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "think over" is a phrasal verb used to express careful consideration before making a decision. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it appears in various contexts, it is somewhat less frequent and leans toward informal settings. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "consider" or "reflect on". The phrase is generally well-understood and serves its purpose effectively. Always think over which phrases suits the current context the best.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider carefully

Emphasizes thoroughness in consideration.

reflect on

Focuses on contemplation and introspection.

ponder

Implies a deep and thoughtful consideration.

deliberate

Suggests a formal and careful discussion before making a decision.

mull over

Indicates a slow and relaxed consideration of something.

give thought to

A more formal and deliberate way of expressing consideration.

weigh up

Emphasizes the process of balancing different aspects.

chew over

Similar to 'mull over' but can imply a more active mental process.

meditate on

Suggests a focused and prolonged period of reflection.

ruminate on

Implies a deep and often repetitive consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "think over" when you need to convey that you are giving something thoughtful consideration before making a decision. For example, "I need to "think over" the job offer before I accept it".

What are some alternatives to "think over"?

Depending on the context, you could use "consider", "reflect on", or "ponder" instead of "think over".

Is "think over" formal or informal?

"Think over" is generally considered to be more informal than alternatives like "consider" or "deliberate". Choose your words depending on the context.

What is the difference between "think over" and "ponder"?

While both imply careful thought, "think over" suggests a more general consideration, whereas "ponder" often implies a deeper, more prolonged contemplation.