# think of

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/think-of
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to have a thought or an idea about something, or to remember a person or thing.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I am thinking of you since yesterday." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.