think seriously about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "think seriously about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of considering something thoughtfully and deeply. Example: "Before making a decision, it's crucial to think seriously about the potential consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They think seriously about this as a career, not just a job," Mr. Chaya said.

The New York Times - Arts

It is something to think seriously about".

BBC

"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

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

Congress is in tatters and its leaders must think seriously about its future role in politics.

The Economist

If it didn't, she said, they would have to think seriously about going in again.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "think seriously about", ensure that the context clearly indicates the importance of the matter being considered. It is often used when significant consequences are involved or when a careful decision is required.

Common error

Avoid using "think seriously about" in very casual conversations where a simpler expression like "consider" or "think about" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly formal if misused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think seriously about" functions as a verb phrase that introduces a careful consideration or deliberation about a particular topic. Ludwig examples show its use in both formal and informal settings, indicating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "think seriously about" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the importance of careful consideration. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples from diverse sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC. It's a versatile phrase suitable for professional, neutral, and even some informal contexts, though overusing it in very casual settings may sound overly formal. Alternatives such as "consider carefully" and "reflect deeply on" offer similar nuances while maintaining a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider carefully

Emphasizes the need for meticulous and thorough evaluation before making a decision.

reflect deeply on

Suggests a more introspective and thoughtful examination of a particular subject.

give serious consideration to

Highlights the act of devoting significant attention and thought to something.

weigh carefully

Implies a balanced assessment of different aspects and potential outcomes.

ponder thoughtfully

Focuses on the act of pondering with a degree of insight and empathy.

deliberate extensively

Highlights lengthy and detailed deliberation about a subject.

contemplate profoundly

Indicates a deep and significant contemplation of a particular issue.

ruminate deeply about

Suggests the act of mulling over something in a serious and thoughtful way.

analyze rigorously

Focuses on a detailed and methodological scrutiny of a concept or problem.

assess comprehensively

Highlights the attempt to evaluate something in a thorough and all-encompassing manner.

FAQs

What does "think seriously about" mean?

The phrase "think seriously about" means to consider something carefully and thoroughly, usually because it is important or has significant consequences.

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

You can use "think seriously about" when you want to emphasize the importance of considering something thoughtfully and deeply. For example: "Before making a decision, it's crucial to "think seriously about" the potential consequences."

What are some alternatives to "think seriously about"?

You can use alternatives like "consider carefully", "reflect deeply on", or "give serious consideration to" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to "think seriously about" or "think lightly about" something?

The phrase "think seriously about" is used when something requires deep consideration, whereas thinking "lightly" suggests a more casual or superficial approach. The choice depends on the gravity and complexity of the situation.