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 youthinkabout this frame?
B:
To be honest, I don’tthinkit 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.
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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’mthinking aboutit.
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.)
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