think twice

USAGE SUMMARY

"think twice" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression that means to consider a decision carefully before making it. For example, "When making an important decision, it's always best to think twice before committing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Employers should think twice.

The New York Times

Think twice about it.

The New York Times

Think twice / Todd Siler.

Stanford University

But they should think twice.

The Economist

I'll think twice next time.

The New Yorker

He didn't think twice.

The Guardian

I think twice about it.

The New Yorker

Why you might think twice.

Independent

Think twice before doing anything.

WikiHow

Most would think twice now.

The Guardian

Will genuine whistleblowers think twice?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "think twice" when you want to advise someone to carefully consider the potential consequences of their actions before proceeding.

Common error

Avoid using "think twice" when you're already certain about the negative outcome; instead, use stronger phrasing to express that certainty, like "don't even consider it".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "think twice" is as a verb phrase used to advise or warn someone to carefully consider the potential consequences of their actions. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "think twice" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to advise caution and encourage careful consideration before acting. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to informal conversations. The phrase functions primarily as a verb phrase to urge deliberation, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. While seemingly simple, the phrase carries significant weight, emphasizing the importance of evaluating potential consequences. Remember to "think twice" before making hasty decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reconsider your actions

This alternative places more emphasis on the action being reconsidered.

give it a second thought

This alternative is more casual and focuses on the act of thinking again.

reflect upon the consequences

This alternative highlights the importance of considering potential outcomes.

pause for reflection

This phrase emphasizes the reflective aspect of considering a decision.

exercise caution

This phrase emphasizes the need for careful and prudent behavior.

weigh your options carefully

This suggests a more analytical approach to decision-making.

look before you leap

This is an idiomatic alternative that advises caution.

take heed

This is a more formal way of advising caution or attention.

sleep on it

This suggests delaying a decision to gain a fresh perspective.

be careful

This is a general warning to proceed with caution.

FAQs

What does "think twice" mean?

The phrase "think twice" means to consider something carefully before making a decision or taking action, especially when there might be negative consequences.

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

You can use "think twice" to advise someone to be cautious. For example, "You should "think twice" before investing all your money in that venture."

What can I say instead of "think twice"?

Alternatives to "think twice" include "reconsider your actions", "give it a second thought", or "look before you leap", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "think twice"?

It's appropriate to use "think twice" when you want to suggest caution and careful consideration, especially when the stakes are high or the potential for negative outcomes is significant.