to think about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to think about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of considering or reflecting on a particular subject or idea. Example: "I need some time to think about the proposal before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Something to think about later.

The Economist

Here's something to think about.

The New York Times

"That's scary to think about".

The New York Times

So something to think about.

The New York Times

"It's fun to think about".

The New York Times

Refuse to think about me?

The New York Times

Have to think about it.

The New York Times - Sports

More to think about.

University of California, Berkeley

I want to think about other things.

Independent

"I have to think about it beforehand".

The New York Times - Sports

She started to think about drama school.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, make sure to provide specifics after using the phrase. Instead of saying "I need to think about it", specify "I need to think about the proposal" to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to think about" as a filler phrase without a clear subject. Always ensure that it's clear what you are thinking about to avoid ambiguity and make your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to think about" functions as an infinitive that can be used as a verb within a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates the act of considering or reflecting upon something. It can introduce a topic of thought or deliberation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

11%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to think about" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile phrase used to express the act of considering or reflecting on a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. While it's appropriate in various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in news and media. For enhanced clarity, be sure to provide a clear subject for your thought process, and use alternatives such as "to consider" or "to contemplate" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to consider

This alternative is a more direct and general term for thinking about something.

to contemplate

This alternative implies a deeper and more prolonged period of thinking.

to reflect on

This alternative suggests thinking about something in the past.

to ponder

This alternative suggests a thoughtful and often uncertain consideration.

to deliberate

This alternative implies careful and thorough consideration, often before making a decision.

to mull over

This alternative suggests thinking about something repeatedly and carefully.

to give thought to

This alternative emphasizes the act of dedicating mental energy to something.

to take into account

This alternative highlights the importance of considering something when making a decision.

to bear in mind

This alternative focuses on remembering and considering something.

to chew over

This alternative suggests a more informal and leisurely way of thinking about something.

FAQs

How do I use "to think about" in a sentence?

Use "to think about" when you need to express the act of considering something. For instance, "I need "to think about" the offer before I accept it".

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

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

Is it better to say "think about" or "think of"?

"Think about" generally means to consider something, while "think of" can mean to recall something or to have an opinion. For example, "I need "to think about" my options" versus "What do you "think of" the new policy?".

How does the formality of "to think about" compare to its alternatives?

The phrase ""to think about"" is generally neutral in formality. Alternatives like "to contemplate" might be perceived as more formal, while phrases like "to mull over" are more informal.