think about or think of?

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Hello.

I've got a problem with using this two:
think of / think about

If someone is really on my mind -> I think about him. ??
If I want to know someone's opinion. -> What do you think about it? ??
When I can't make up my mind, if yes or no and I intend to tell somebody later. -> I will think of it and I will tell you later. ??

I'm not really sure...
 

Mannysteps

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Not a teacher

Consider this:

Think of = A momentary thought

Think about = Dwelling on a thought

Waiting for confirmation of my opinion,

M.
 

BobK

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Hello.

I've got a problem with using th[STRIKE]is[/STRIKE]ese t*wo:
think of / think about

If someone is really on my mind -> I think about him. ?? :tick:
If I want to know someone's opinion. -> What do you think about it? ??:tick: 'But 'of' is also possible:
'What do you think about paying for English lessons?' [asking for extended thoughts]
'What do you think of the government's decision to withdraw support for English lessons?' [Inviting a brief response, such as "It's stupid' ;-)]
?
When I can't make up my mind, if yes or no and I intend to tell somebody later. -> I will think [STRIKE]of[/STRIKE] about it and I will tell you later. ??:cross:
But if someone asks you a question and you know that you know the answer, but can't remember it at that moment, you could say something like 'Carry on, I'm sure I'll think of it in a minute.'

I'm not really sure...

Not a teacher

Consider this:

Think of = A momentary thought

Think about = Dwelling on a thought

Waiting for confirmation of my opinion,

M.
I'm thinking about it! ;-)

b

PS * I know the difference between 'this' and 'these' is hard for some people to hear, but it's not just a slightly different vowel; it's a different sibilant as well: /ðɪs/ but /ði:z/ .
 

AlexAD

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I have a very nice postcard in front of me with a face of a baboon seeing at me with their finger near their mouth on it and there is a signature on the bottom of the postcard saying, 'Thinking of you!'.

Here is the author's (or baboon's ?) explanation on the flip side of the card:
'I was just deliberating on Darwinism - the bloke who had a theory on the origin of species and somehow I started thinking of you - may be we're closer than you think!'

I would use here about. What would you use?

P.S. The photo is so nice that it's a pity I can't attach it right here.
 
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BobK

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Yes - that's part of the joke. 'Thinking of you' is a passing thought that people send when they're on holiday; when you read the back you find out that it means 'Thinking about you [that is, about your evolution]'. ;-)

b
 
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