English Verbs + Prepositions Dictionary

English Verbs + Prepositions Dictionary

Think about / Think of

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. It is also used for opinions. When you “think about something” you are considering it for a longer time – like a few minutes or more.

Every time I hear this song, I think of my mother.
(thinking for a few seconds)

What do you think of my new haircut?
(opinion)

I’m thinking about moving to a different city.
(considering)

I still get angry when I think about all the rude things my sister said to me.
(thinking for a few minutes or more)

Common error: Don’t use “think to” for “considering.”

• I’m thinking to do an intensive English course in Canada.
• I’m thinking about doing an intensive English course in Canada.

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 course I want to take. 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 college 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 Laura 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 movies and didn’t think to invite me.