think twice about

USAGE SUMMARY

'think twice about' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the idea that one should consider something very carefully before making a decision. For example: I think you should think twice about quitting your job without having another one lined up.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We think twice about suddenly reordered priorities.

The New York Times - Sports

Incoming KPK commissioners may think twice about investigating the police.

The Economist

Think twice about it.

The New York Times

I think twice about it.

The New Yorker

Makes you think twice about chewing Trident.

The New York Times

Think twice about cloud music services.

The New York Times - Tech

So think twice about that vacation.

The New York Times

Think twice about doing that".

The Guardian

Ms. Conte didn't think twice about that.

The New York Times

I didn't really think twice about it.

The New York Times

She didn't think twice about saying yes.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

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

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "think twice about" excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "consider this" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think twice about" functions as an idiomatic expression used to strongly advise or caution someone to carefully consider the potential consequences of a particular action before proceeding. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "think twice about" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to urge careful consideration before acting, particularly when potential negative consequences exist. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in English writing. It appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business contexts. While versatile, overusing it in very informal settings can be avoided. Related phrases include "reconsider" and "think again", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. The phrase serves to discourage hasty decisions and promote thorough evaluation, making it a valuable tool for conveying caution and prudence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think again

Similar to the original phrase, but slightly more concise and direct.

reconsider

Focuses on the act of re-evaluating a decision, implying a second thought.

give it a second thought

Emphasizes the act of considering something more carefully.

pause for reflection

Highlights the importance of taking a moment to reflect before acting.

weigh your options

Focuses on carefully evaluating different choices.

look before you leap

An idiomatic expression that advises caution before taking action.

exercise caution

Directly advises being careful and avoiding potential risks.

be wary of

Suggests being cautious and suspicious of something.

hesitate before

Emphasizes a moment of pause or reluctance before proceeding.

sleep on it

Suggests delaying a decision to allow for more careful consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "think twice about" to advise someone to carefully consider something before acting. For example, "You should "think twice about" investing all your money in a risky venture".

What does "think twice about" mean?

The phrase "think twice about" means to consider something very carefully before making a decision or taking action, especially because the action could have negative consequences.

What can I say instead of "think twice about"?

Alternatives to "think twice about" include "reconsider", "think again", or "give it a second thought", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "think twice about" or "think carefully about"?

Both "think twice about" and "think carefully about" are correct, but "think twice about" often implies a greater need for caution due to potential negative outcomes. "Think carefully about" is a more general recommendation for thorough consideration.