think of

An idea, answer, or possibility comes into your mind.

• Can you think of a name?
• She thought of a way to fix the door.
• I cannot think of any excuse for being late.

How to use it: think of something (We thought of a better solution.)

Similar words: come up with, think up

Common phrases: think of something, think of an idea, think of a solution

You have someone or something in your mind, or spend time considering them.

• I often think of you.
• She was thinking of her childhood home.
• Do you ever think of our days at school?

How to use it: think of someone/something (He thinks of his family every day.)

Similar words: think about

Common phrases: think of someone, think of home, think of the past

You consider someone or something as an important reason for deciding what to do.

• Think of your children!
• Before you quit, think of the money you need.
• We should think of the risks before agreeing.

How to use it: think of someone/something (Think of the expense before you buy it.)

Similar words: consider, take into account

Common phrases: think of the cost, think of your children, think of the consequences

Used to question why someone did something foolish or wrong.

• What were you thinking of?
• What was I thinking of when I left the keys inside?
• What could he have been thinking of, spending all our rent money?

How to use it: what be someone thinking of? (What were you thinking of when you sent that message?)

Common phrases: think of doing that, think of such nonsense