come to think of it — reflecting / realising (spoken)
expressionC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
Used when you suddenly remember or realise something while speaking, often to add or correct information.
Say it like a native
Textbook Upon further reflection, I now recall that he did mention it.
Native Come to think of it, he did mention it.
'Upon further reflection' is formal/written; 'come to think of it' is the spoken realisation marker.
Pattern: Come to think of it, [clause]
In use
- Come to think of it, I did see her at the supermarket yesterday.daily life
- Well, I usually prefer to study at home, but come to think of it, I actually get more done when I’m at the library because there are fewer distractions.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Come to think about it, I left it at home.
✓ Come to think of it, I left it at home.
Fixed phrase — 'come to think OF it', not 'about it'.
Common collocations
come to think of it— come to think of it,, actually, come to think of it, now, come to think of it
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'on second thought', which can signal a change of mind or decision, 'come to think of it' is used to introduce a new idea or detail that has just occurred to you.