Expand Your Students' Vocabulary with Alternatives for "Think"
Since their vocabulary is still relatively small, many English learners tend to fall back on the same terms over and over again in their conversations. That leaves tutors with an easy topic to focus on in free-talk lessons or when there's extra time remaining after the main material has been completed.
This time, we'll highlight some common alternatives to "think" as well as examples showing how they can be used.
Think over
Basic idea: comparing pros and cons before making a decision
Jane hasn't told us if he's joining the camping trip yet; she's still thinking it over.
Mull over
Basic idea: a more informal way of saying "think over"
Please take some time to mull it over. There's no need for you to decide now.
Contemplate
Basic idea: careful or deep thinking, often about topics that cannot be fully understood
She looked up at the stars and contemplated the mysteries of outer space.
Ponder
Basic idea: deep thought, has a slightly poetic nuance
I get inspired to paint by pondering nature from my favorite spot in the park.
Consider
Basic idea: can be used instead of "think about"
It is often used in the imperative form.
Please consider our proposal and contact us when you are ready to continue the negotiations.
It is also used as an alternative to "realize."
Sarah had an interesting idea that we hadn't considered before.
Reflect (on)
Basic idea: thinking about the past
Before I go to bed, I like to reflect on what happened during the day and think about what I can do better tomorrow.
Chew on
Basic idea: spending time to think about something
Students may find this casual expression amusing. Is there anything similar in their native language?
I've been chewing on the advice she gave me yesterday.
The documentary gave me a lot to chew on.
Ruminate (on)
Basic idea: thinking about something over and over again
The president ruminated on the possible effects of his decision.
Reckon
Basic idea: refers to reaching a conclusion or forming an opinion
This word is common in the southern states of the US as well as in countries where British English is spoken.
If we take my truck, I reckon we can get there in about an hour and 15 minutes.
I think we should accept their proposal. What do you reckon?
Weigh
Basic idea: comparing a set of choices
It didn't take much time for us to weigh the options; the decision was easy.
Deliberate (over)
Basic idea: a careful process of thought or discussion in order to reach a decision
The members of the jury deliberated all afternoon, discussing different details of the court case.
It's hard for me to make decisions quickly; I need to deliberate over everything in detail first!
Meditate (on)
Basic idea: deep thought, often about personal matters
I encourage everyone to meditate on the events of the past week. What can we learn from our experience?
Dwell on
Basic idea: repeatedly thinking (or talking) about something negative or unpleasant
It's important to learn from our mistakes, but dwelling on them is unhealthy.
Entertain
Basic idea: giving something attention and thought
The boss didn't immediately agree to our suggestion, but he said he will at least entertain it.
Turn something over in one’s mind
Basic idea: thinking about something seriously, usually over a long period of time
John turned the business proposal over in his mind during his flight home.
Wrap-up
There is more than one way of thinking about things; sometimes the action is quick, but in other situations, more time is needed. Additionally, are the thoughts about something logical and real or about something larger and abstract?
While knowing one or two alternatives to common verbs may not seem like much on the surface, students benefit from the ability to communicate with more nuance as well as from the increase in self-confidence that ability brings.
