[Grammar] Think to do something vs Think of doing something

[englishteacher79]

I know most people would use think with the "of" + Ving/Noun. But sometimes think + to + base verb is also possible.

When would it be possible to use "think to do" something?

Thanks.

 

[bhaisahab]

Rarely.

 

[GoesStation]

I sometimes say I didn't think to do something when someone has demonstrated a way to solve a problem and I hadn't considered it. I might also say I hadn't thought to try it.

 

[kilroy65]

If the verb "think" means "decide", it is followed by a preposition (of/about) and a verb+ing.: I'm thinking of taking a break.

If "think" means "remember", as it is in GoesStation's post, it is followed by "to+ infinitive": He was so stressed out that he didn't think to tell me the news.

However, the former usage of "think" is far more common.