think upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "think upon" is correct and usable in written English, though it is somewhat archaic.
You can use it when you want to express the act of considering or reflecting on something, often in a more formal or literary context. Example: "I need to think upon the implications of this decision before moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Think upon the complex notes.

The New York Times

I think, upon reflection, it spoke well of The Times.

The New York Times

"This act sets a foundation, I think, upon which effective cost controls can be built".

The New York Times - Health

"You have matters of more weight to think upon," one of the opponents complains.

The New Yorker

"And I think upon reviewing the facts there will not be any uproar".

The New York Times

It is a projection of a "think " upon the background of nature.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

His first thought upon waking each day, he says, is a wish for two more hours' sleep.

The New Yorker

The influence of Greek thought upon Christian theology offered church leaders an alternative to the millenarian worldview.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He mentioned another man whose thought upon seeing his friend overdose was "I wonder who that guy's dealer is because that must be really good stuff".

The Guardian - Tech

Give me a nonstop, I thought upon arrival in Singapore at 6.30 a.m., to begin a long day of meetings and interviews.

The New York Times

"What the fuck am I doing here?" he thought upon entering the Bills' locker room for the first time and seeing players such as OJ Simpson.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "think upon" when aiming for a formal or slightly old-fashioned tone. It can add a touch of gravitas to your writing, but be mindful of your audience and the overall context.

Common error

Avoid using "think upon" excessively, as it can make your writing sound unnatural or stilted. Modern alternatives like "consider" or "reflect on" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Think upon primarily functions as a verb phrase, expressing the action of reflecting or contemplating. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in contexts requiring careful consideration or deliberation. The phrase acts as the core predicate in sentences expressing mental activity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Forbes

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "think upon" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that suggests reflection and consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, although it notes the phrase has a slightly archaic feel. While its frequency is common, modern alternatives such as "reflect on" or "consider" might be more appropriate for contemporary writing. Using "think upon" can add a formal tone, but overuse may sound stilted. It's most frequently found in news, academic and Huffington Post articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reflect upon

A more emphatic, reflective expression that is close in meaning, implying thoughtful consideration of something.

reflect on

Replaces "think" with a more direct synonym for contemplation. Slightly less formal.

consider

A more common and versatile synonym for "think", suitable for a wider range of contexts.

ponder

Implies a deeper, more thoughtful consideration. Slightly more literary.

give thought to

Indicates the act of directing one's attention and consideration towards something.

contemplate

Similar to "ponder", suggesting a prolonged and serious consideration.

meditate on

Suggests a more spiritual or introspective form of thinking.

ruminate on

Suggests a deep and prolonged consideration, often dwelling on a topic.

deliberate about

Emphasizes the careful and reasoned nature of the thinking process.

chew over

An informal expression for thinking about something at length.

FAQs

What does "think upon" mean?

"Think upon" means to reflect on, consider, or contemplate something, often with a sense of importance or gravity.

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

You might say, "I need to "think upon" this decision carefully before making a final choice". It suggests a deliberate and thoughtful consideration.

What can I say instead of "think upon"?

You can use alternatives like "reflect on", "consider", or "contemplate" depending on the context.

Is "think upon" formal or informal?

"Think upon" leans towards the formal side, carrying a slightly archaic tone compared to more common alternatives like "reflect on" or "consider".