Same verb · different particle

“think” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 3 one at a time, then test yourself.

3 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

think

ahead over up

think + ahead · 1 of 3

think ahead

to plan for the future

think ahead to/about sth

to consider what might happen later and make plans or preparations now.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

If you want to save money for a holiday, it's important to think ahead and start budgeting early.

A: Did you bring an umbrella?
B: Yeah, I thought ahead—the weather forecast said it might rain.

Common mistake

Not: You should think ~~ahead for the future.~~

Say: You should think ahead.

'Ahead' already means 'about the future' — don't add 'for the future'.

More on “think ahead”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, people who think ahead are usually more successful because they are ready for unexpected situations.

Tell it apart

Try to think ahead.

plan for what's coming

Try to think it over.

consider a decision carefully

Goes with

think ahead

Practice saying this

Next: think over

think + over · 2 of 3

think over

consider carefully

think over sth

To spend time thinking about something carefully before making a decision.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I need some time to think over your suggestion before I decide.

A: Are you going to accept the job offer?
B: I'm not sure yet. I want to think it over for a couple of days.

Common mistake

Not: Let me think ~~over it.~~

Say: Let me think it over.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'think it over'.

More on “think over”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I were offered a scholarship to study abroad, I would definitely think it over carefully before making a decision.

Tell it apart

Let me think it over.

consider before deciding

Let me think it through.

work out all the consequences

Goes with

think over + decision

Practice saying this

Next: think up

think + up · 3 of 3

think up

invent or imagine (an idea, plan, or excuse)

think up sth

To create or come up with something in your mind, such as a new idea, plan, or excuse.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

She had to think up a good excuse for being late to the meeting.

A: We need a fun game for the party.
B: Give me a minute—I’ll think something up.

Common mistake

Not: He thought up with an excuse.

Say: He thought up an excuse. / He came up with an excuse.

'Think up' takes the object directly (no 'with'); 'come up WITH' needs 'with'.

More on “think up”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, students should be encouraged to think up creative solutions to problems rather than just memorizing facts.

Tell it apart

She thought up a great idea.

invented it in her head

She wrote down a great idea.

recorded one she already had

Goes with

think up + idea/excuse

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “think” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “think” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

think ahead think over think up