think seriously

USAGE SUMMARY

"think seriously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to encourage contemplation on a subject or to encourage someone to make a thoughtful decision. For example, "If you're considering dropping out of school, you should think seriously about the consequences of that decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think we should think seriously".

The Guardian

"I hope he will think seriously about this".

Independent

He needs to think seriously about a wider housecleaning.

The New York Times

I began to think seriously about giving it up.

The New York Times - Magazine

So I also started to think seriously of leaving.

The New York Times

Think seriously about what it is you expect to achieve.

Harvard Business Review

Think seriously about his mental condition and psychological state.

The Washington Post

Before you think seriously about equity release, consider your alternatives.

The Guardian - Money

They think seriously about their roads, their neighbors, their woods".

The New York Times - Style

"I would have to think seriously about it," she said.

The New York Times

They would at least have to think seriously about it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When urging someone to "think seriously" about a decision, clearly state the reasons why a careful consideration is necessary. This provides context and emphasizes the importance of their deliberation.

Common error

While "think seriously" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for lighter alternatives like "give it a thought" or "consider it" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think seriously" functions primarily as a verb phrase + adverb, emphasizing the manner in which the action of thinking is performed. It suggests a deliberate and careful consideration of something. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is widely used and understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "think seriously" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the importance of careful consideration and deliberation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news media, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the register and avoid overuse in casual conversation. Alternatives such as "consider carefully" or "reflect deeply" may be more appropriate depending on the context. When using "think seriously", be sure to provide context to underscore the importance of the consideration. Avoiding this phrase altogether is not recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give serious thought

Focuses on the allocation of mental effort toward a particular subject, similar to "think seriously" but more emphatic.

consider carefully

Emphasizes thoroughness in the act of considering, focusing on detail and precision.

reflect deeply

Highlights the introspective nature of thinking, focusing on internal contemplation.

ponder thoughtfully

Stresses the measured and deliberate aspect of thinking, often implying a search for understanding.

contemplate fully

Highlights the comprehensive nature of thinking, ensuring all aspects are considered.

weigh carefully

Implies balancing different aspects before making a decision, emphasizing evaluation.

deliberate at length

Suggests an extended period of thinking and discussion, more formal than "think seriously".

analyze thoroughly

Focuses on breaking down a subject into its component parts for detailed examination.

take into consideration

Highlights the act of incorporating something into one's thought process, broader in scope than simply thinking.

meditate intensely

Emphasizes the depth and focus of thinking, often associated with spiritual or personal growth.

FAQs

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

You can use "think seriously" to emphasize the importance of considering something carefully, such as: "You should "think seriously" about your career options before making a decision."

What are some alternatives to "think seriously"?

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

Is it always necessary to use "think seriously", or are there times when a lighter phrase is more appropriate?

While "think seriously" emphasizes the importance of deliberation, in more casual contexts, alternatives like "give it a thought" or "consider it" may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "think seriously" and "consider carefully"?

"Think seriously" generally implies a focused effort on a specific issue, while "consider carefully" suggests a more thorough and detailed examination of all aspects.