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Prepositions after the verb: THINK
Think OF / Think ABOUT
The two most common prepositions used after the verb “think” are “about” and “of.” They are very similar, but there is a small difference.
Usually when you “think of something,” it is a brief moment – just a few seconds.
Every time I hear this song, I think of my best friend.
(thinking for a few seconds)It is also used to ask opinion>
What do you think of the situation in Europe?
What do you think of John?
When you “think about something” you are considering it for a longer time – like a few minutes or more.
I’m thinking about changing my job.
(considering)
I still get angry when I think about what happened that weekend!
(thinking for a few minutes or more)COMMON ERROR: DON’T USE “THINK TO” FOR “CONSIDERING.”
- I’m thinking to do a master in Digital Communication. (WRONG!)
- I’m thinking about doing a master in Digital Communication. (RIGHT!)
PHRASAL VERBS
Think Over / Think Through
Use the prepositions “over” and “through” when you need to consider a topic carefully or think about it for a longer time (hours, days, or weeks).
- I’m not sure which sofa I want to buy. Let me think it over for a while.
- I’ll need some time to think through your proposal. Can I call you back next week?
Think Ahead / Think Back
The preposition “ahead” is used for thinking about the future:
- We need to think ahead at least five years if we want our company to have long-term success.
The preposition “back” is used for thinking about the past:
- I like to think back on my school years; that was a great time in my life.
Think Up
“Think up” is an expression that means to imagine, invent, or create an idea.
- We need to think up a way to distract Dani while we plan her surprise party.
- I spent half an hour trying to think up a good excuse for why I was late to work.
- Let’s think up some new strategies for increasing sales.
Think To
“Think to” is most frequently used with “myself” – when you think about something, but you don’t say it or share it with any other person. “Think to myself” is often followed by a direct statement of the thought.
- Whenever I’m in a meeting at work, I think to myself, “This is a huge waste of time.”
“Didn’t think to” can also be used when something did not even enter your mind.
- Sorry I didn’t see your message – I didn’t think to check my e-mail before I left the house.
- I’m annoyed because all my friends went to the party and didn’t think to invite me.
I think that about covers it!
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