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Think

Think meaning ‘have an opinion’​

We can use think to talk about having an opinion or idea. In this case, we don’t usually use the continuous form:

  • I think (that) she’s a very selfish person.
  • Not: I’m thinking (that) she’s a very selfish person.
  • Ryan thinks we should leave by 8 am at the latest.
  • A: What do you think about this frame?
  • B: To be honest, I don’t think it suits the picture.

Think meaning ‘make plans or decisions’​

We use think of or think about to talk about making plans and decisions. We can use it in the continuous form (thinking of/about) plus the -ing form of the verb:

  • We*’re thinking of** moving out of London and buying a small cottage in the country.*
  • Thinking about returning to college? Call Farrings College at Freephone 0800 009 122 445 for advice on courses and grants.

Think and think of meaning ‘remember’​

  • I went upstairs to get something, but when I got there, I couldn’t think what it was that I wanted!
  • Can anyone think of the name of the first dog that went into space?
  • It’s so embarrassing when you meet someone and you can’t think of their name.

Think about meaning ‘consider something’​

  • A: Are you going to change jobs?
  • B: I’m not sure. I’m thinking about it.

Softening​

Spoken English:

In speaking, we often use I think to soften what we say. It usually goes in end position:

  • It’s too expensive, I think.
  • Too many people are talking in the office, I think. It’s difficult to work at times.

Uncertainty​

When we use I think to express uncertainty, it usually goes at the beginning:

  • I think I gave the file to Holly on Monday.
  • I think your keys are on the table.

Don’t think: expressing uncertainty​

When we use think to express uncertainty, we usually put not with think rather than in the clause which comes afterwards:

  • I don’t think we have enough people interested in going on the trip. (preferred to I think we don’t have enough people interested in going on the trip.)
  • She didn’t think it was necessary to give the taxi driver a tip. (preferred to She thought it wasn’t necessary to give the taxi driver a tip.)