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think over — consider carefully

phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon

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

Say it like a native

Textbook I require additional time to deliberate upon your proposal.

Native I need some time to think it over.

'Think over' is the everyday verb for mulling something before deciding.

Pattern: think over + noun/pronoun

In use

  • I need some time to think over your suggestion before I decide.daily life
  • If I were offered a scholarship to study abroad, I would definitely think it over carefully before making a decision.IELTS speaking

Common mistake

✗ Let me think over it.

✓ Let me think it over.

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

Common collocations

  • think over + decision — it, the offer, your options, things

Don't confuse it

'Think about' is more general; 'think over' suggests careful or serious consideration.

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