thinks it over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thinks it over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of considering or reflecting on something before making a decision. Example: "Before making a final choice, she always thinks it over to weigh the pros and cons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

She thinks it over carefully.

The New Yorker

Junpei thinks it over, and eventually decides to marry Sayoko, after an evening spent telling stories to Sala.

The New Yorker

He thinks it over for a minute, between bites of onglet and courteous chat with the bistro's owner.

The New Yorker

The path he did choose is described in the speech-song of "Turning Time Around," in which the narrator is asked to define love, thinks it over, and decides it is "turning time around".

The New York Times - Books

The house thinks it over, and eventually opts to destroy itself rather than live with the Simpsons.

Wikipedia

He thinks it over.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Then you can think it over".

The New Yorker

Think it over and call me back".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Think it over," she'd say breezily.

The Guardian

Think it over and then come back and tell me".

The New Yorker

"I really think he thought it over," Tobin said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thinks it over" when you want to convey a sense of internal deliberation. It's suitable for describing a character's thought process in narrative writing or a person's decision-making in general contexts.

Common error

While "thinks it over" is perfectly acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "considers carefully" or "reflects upon" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinks it over" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of consideration or reflection before making a decision or taking action. As Ludwig AI states, it is usable in written English and serves to describe someone's mental deliberation. Examples from Ludwig showcase its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

16%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thinks it over" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that someone is carefully considering something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for written English. While its register is mostly neutral, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts. For more formal settings, synonyms like "considers carefully" or "reflects upon" might be more appropriate. Avoid overuse, especially in academic writing, and remember that the goal is to convey thoughtful deliberation before action or decision. Use "thinks it over" to effectively portray someone's internal decision-making process, relying on guidance from Ludwig's real-world examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mulls it over

Uses the idiom 'mulls it over', which is a common and informal way to express thinking about something for a while.

weighs it up

An idiomatic expression meaning to consider all sides of a situation before making a decision.

considers it carefully

Adds the adverb 'carefully' to underscore the thoroughness of the consideration, making it a more deliberate action.

ponders it

Replaces the more conversational "thinks it over" with a slightly more formal verb, 'ponders', to emphasize deep thought.

deliberates about it

Implies a formal and careful consideration, often involving weighing different options.

reflects on it

Substitutes "thinks" with "reflects", suggesting a deeper and more introspective consideration.

contemplates it

Suggests a more profound and philosophical level of thinking about the matter.

gives it thought

Emphasizes the act of dedicating mental energy to the subject, rather than just casually considering it.

assesses it

Focuses on evaluating the merits and drawbacks of something before forming an opinion or making a choice.

evaluates it

Implies a systematic and structured way of considering something, often involving specific criteria.

FAQs

What does "thinks it over" mean?

The phrase "thinks it over" means to consider something carefully before making a decision or forming an opinion. It implies a period of reflection and deliberation.

How can I use "thinks it over" in a sentence?

You can use "thinks it over" in a sentence like this: "Before accepting the job offer, she "mulls it over" carefully to ensure it aligns with her career goals."

What are some alternatives to "thinks it over"?

Some alternatives to "thinks it over" include "considers it", "reflects on it", "ponders it", or "deliberates about it", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is "thinks it over" formal or informal?

"Thinks it over" is generally considered to be informal to neutral. In formal writing, it's better to use alternatives like "carefully considers" or "thoroughly evaluates".