ENGLISH
REFERENCE

think of sb/sth

phr. v..
A1 Beginner Oxford

phr. v.. To have an opinion about someone or something, or to bring an idea or memory into your mind.

phr. v.. To hold an opinion about a subject, or to recall or conceive of an idea or memory; a transitive phrasal verb.


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.

Particles
of
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
think + of + object
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.

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