Phrasal verb
think of
Definition
phrasal verb. to have a thought or an idea about something, or to remember a person or thing.
phrasal verb. to conceive of an idea, to recall something from memory, or to hold a particular opinion regarding a subject.
Examples
“I can't think of his name right now.”
“When I see this old photo, I always think of our summer holiday in Spain.”
“The committee spent several hours trying to think of a viable solution to the budget deficit before the deadline.”
Examples
simple
“I can't think of his name right now.”
contextual
“When I see this old photo, I always think of our summer holiday in Spain.”
complex
“The committee spent several hours trying to think of a viable solution to the budget deficit before the deadline.”
Usage
often used with 'can' or 'could' when referring to the ability to remember something.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'think about', which implies a longer process of consideration, whereas 'think of' often refers to a sudden idea or a simple act of recall.
Pitfall
I am thinking of you since yesterday.
I have been thinking of you since yesterday.
use the present perfect continuous for an action that started in the past and continues to the present moment.
Phrasal verb
Particles
of
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
think + of + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/think-of