Meaning & use
think about
Last updated
Meanings
phrasephrasal verb
to consider someone or something carefully before making a decision or forming an opinion.
Grammar: Takes an object after 'about': think about the offer. The object can be a noun, a pronoun, or an -ing form: think about moving.
Patterns
- think about something
- think about doing something
- think about it
We need to think about the cost before we book the tickets.
She is thinking about changing her job next year.
I'll think about it and let you know tomorrow.
phrasephrasal verb
to have someone or something in your mind; to remember or focus on them.
Grammar: Often used in the progressive to show an ongoing mental activity: I'm thinking about you. Also common in the phrase 'think about the future.'
Patterns
- be thinking about someone
- think about the past
- think about home
I was thinking about you when your message arrived.
He often thinks about his childhood in the countryside.
Try to think about the good things in your life.
Word forms
| third person singular | thinks about |
|---|---|
| past tense | thought about |
| past participle | thought about |
| -ing form | thinking about |
Common combinations
- think about it
- That's a big decision—take some time to think about it.
- think about doing something
- I'm thinking about taking a cooking class this summer.
- think carefully about
- Think carefully about what you want to say.
- think about the future
- Young people often think about the future with excitement.
- think about someone
- She still thinks about her old friends from school.
Synonyms and how they differ
- consider
- More formal and often suggests a careful, deliberate process, while 'think about' is neutral and common in everyday speech.
- contemplate
- Very formal and literary; it suggests deep, quiet thought, whereas 'think about' is used for ordinary decisions.
- reflect on
- Focuses on looking back at past events or experiences, not on making a simple choice.
- mull over
- Informal and implies turning an idea over in your mind for a long time, often without deciding.
Word family
- think verb
- To use your mind to form ideas or opinions.
- thought noun
- An idea or opinion produced by thinking.
- thoughtful adjective
- Showing careful consideration for others or for a problem.
Commonly confused: think about or think of?
think about vs think of
'Think of' often means to have an idea or to recall something briefly, while 'think about' suggests spending time considering it. Compare: 'Can you think of a name?' vs. 'I'm thinking about the name.'
Practice
Before you accept the job, you should ______ it carefully.
Choose one answer.
'Think about' fits because it means to consider something over time before deciding. 'Think of' is wrong here because it usually means to have a quick idea or to remember, not to consider carefully. 'Think over' is close but less common in this exact pattern, and 'think through' means to examine all the details, which is more specific.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “think about”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.