Think of vs Think about

[hector51]

hi!

Can you show me the difference between "think of" and "think about"?

thanks!

 

[BobK]

When you think of something, it (as a whole) is your chief focus:

When news of the fire was announced, he could only think of this family.

'How could you do such a thing? Didn't you think of me?'

When you think about something, your focus is less intense:

In your last year at school, there are many things to think about - work, money, where to live.

But the two seem to me quite close and sometimes overlapping in meaning.

b

 

[Casiopea]

To me, think of is stative-like and means to hold in your mind, whereas think about is active-like and means to consider. Here's a similar view: BBC World Service | Learning English | Ask about English

All the best. :-D

 

[retro]

"Oh, you have a car. Oh. That's great! That's great, because Janie's thinking about getting a car soon too, aren't you, honey"?

These lines from the movie American Beauty perfectly support Bobk and Casiopea's idea.

 

[philadelphia]

When you think of something, it (as a whole) is your chief focus:

When news of the fire was announced, he could only think of this family.

'How could you do such a thing? Didn't you think of me?'

When you think about something, your focus is less intense:

In your last year at school, there are many things to think about - work, money, where to live.

But the two seem to me quite close and sometimes overlapping in meaning.

b

This is noted.

 

[LeUyenHoc]

hi!

Can you show me the difference between "think of" and "think about"?

thanks!

Hi,

I think:

1. Think of: imagine. Ex: I am thinking of my first day in US next year, please don't interrupt me.
2. Thank about: consider. Ex: She is thinking bout whether to go out with me tonight.
3. Sometimes, they are the same. Ex: Since you said goodbye to me, I have been thinking of /about you.

Not a teacher:-D

 

[philadelphia]