Phrasal verb
think over
Meanings
to consider something carefully, usually before making a decision
to review past events or ideas in your mind in order to understand them better
Definition
To think over something means to consider it carefully before deciding.
To think over something is to spend time considering it, often before making a decision or giving an answer. It suggests you are weighing different options or reasons. People often think things over when they want to be sure they choose wisely.
Examples
- I need to think over your suggestion before I reply.
- You should think over the pros and cons tonight.
- He sat quietly to think over what happened at the meeting.
- She asked for a day to think over the job offer.
- They went for a walk to think over their next move.
Common mistake
Learners often put the object in the wrong place, but you can say either “think over the plan” or “think the plan over” (not “think over it the plan”).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.