Phrasal verb
think of sb/sth
Definition
phrasal verb. To have an opinion about someone or something, or to bring an idea or memory into your mind.
phrasal verb. To hold an opinion about a subject, or to recall or conceive of an idea or memory; a transitive phrasal verb.
Examples
“What do you think of this new song?”
“I can't think of his name right now, but I remember his face perfectly.”
“It is sobering to think of the immense challenges future generations will face as a result of climate change.”
Examples
simple
“What do you think of this new song?”
contextual
“I can't think of his name right now, but I remember his face perfectly.”
complex
“It is sobering to think of the immense challenges future generations will face as a result of climate change.”
Usage
Use 'think of' for opinions and quick thoughts, and 'think about' for deeper consideration.
Teaching tip
Contrast 'think of' (opinion/recall) with 'think about' (deeper consideration); 'What do you think of the idea?' vs. 'I need to think about the idea.'
Pitfall
I can't think the answer.
I can't think of the answer.
The preposition 'of' is required to connect the verb 'think' to the object of your thought.
Phrasal verb
Particles
of
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
think + of + object