Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb: Think of

"Think of the past to guide the future, for wisdom borrows from yesterday to illuminate the path ahead."

📖 Definition

To 'think of' means to pay attention to something within one's thoughts, often considering it in plans or recollections. This involves imagining, remembering, or making decisions regarding a person, idea, or thing.

Examples in context

I often think of my travel experiences whenever I see photos of distant lands.
Despite her busy schedule, she thinks of her colleagues and ensures everyone is included in meetings.
Whenever I feel unsure, I think of my mentor's advice and draw strength from it.

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

'Think of' is never separable; words cannot come between 'think' and 'of'.

Neutral

It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts without adjustments in tone.

Transitive

Yes

'Think of' requires an object, such as a thought, idea, or person, to follow it.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	think of	She always thinks of her family's well-being.
Past Simple	thought of	Yesterday, I thought of many solutions to the problem.
Present Continuous	thinking of	She is thinking of applying to graduate school.
Present Perfect	have thought of	They have often thought of innovative ideas in their field.

💡 When to Use

planning future actions

Use 'think of' when considering different actions or decisions you plan to undertake in the future.

Example: "I am thinking of starting a new project next month."

recalling by memory

Employ 'think of' when you recall images, events, or individuals from your memory.

Example: "Whenever I see a rainbow, I think of my childhood."

problem-solving

Use 'think of' in situations requiring creative or logical approaches to challenge or solve issues.

Example: "They need to think of a solution quickly."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

wrong preposition

❌ Wrong: I think about going to the store.

✅ Correct: I think of going to the store.

💡 Tip: Use 'of' when considering future actions.

confusing with 'think about'

❌ Wrong: She thought of you when she saw the book.

✅ Correct: She thought about you when she saw the book.

💡 Tip: 'Think about' is for deeper contemplation.

missing object

❌ Wrong: He thinks of.

✅ Correct: He thinks of the remarkable achievement.

💡 Tip: Always follow with an object.

Practice

THINK OF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

I often think of my travel experiences whenever I see photos of distant lands.
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2
Listen to example

Despite her busy schedule, she thinks of her colleagues and ensures everyone is included in meetings.
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3
Listen to example

Whenever I feel unsure, I think of my mentor's advice and draw strength from it.
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Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

consider contemplate

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Whenever I see the mountains, I ___ of our hiking trip."

consider

think of

ponder

avoid

In Context

During the early 20th century, Marie Curie broke new ground in science, becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. Often, she would think of her late husband, Pierre, whose collaboration and partnership had been instrumental in their research. Curie’s work on radioactivity faced challenges, yet she pressed on, inspired by resilience and her unwavering focus on scientific progress. She would think of innovative methods to solve complex problems, tirelessly working in her laboratory amidst hazardous materials. Her contributions to medicine and science were profound, leading to life-saving technologies in cancer treatment. Whenever Curie received accolades, she would think of her humble beginnings in Poland, where educational opportunities for women were scarce. Her determination to pursue knowledge led her to Paris, where she continued her education and research. As she aged, Curie continued to think of the importance of scientific collaboration and education. Her legacy, cemented through the establishment of the Radium Institute, inspired future generations to think of science as a universal field open to all, regardless of gender. Marie Curie passed away in 1934, yet her influence endures, evidence of a life dedicated to thinking of and acting on bold possibilities.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Think Of

What is the origin of think of?

The phrase 'think of' stems from Old English 'thencan', meaning to conceive in the mind. It evolved through Middle English to become associated with focusing one's mental attention on something.

Can think of be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'think of' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, due to its neutral register. It retains the same meaning across varied settings, including academic writing and casual conversation.

What is the difference between think of and consider?

'Think of' implies an idea coming to mind briefly, while 'consider' suggests deliberate contemplation. Use 'think of' for spontaneous thoughts and 'consider' for thoughtful decision-making processes, contrasting in depth and intent.

Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

THINK OF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Think Of

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega