"have to think of what" vs "have to think of how to"

Question

"have to think of what" vs "have to think of how to"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Have to think of how to' is used when considering the method or way to do something, while 'have to think of what' is used when considering the specific thing or idea to focus on.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

This phrase is used when you are contemplating a particular object, concept, or topic to address or deal with.

Examples:

I have to think of what to say in the meeting.
She has to think of what gift to buy for her friend.
They have to think of what strategy to adopt.

Alternatives:

have to consider what
need to decide what
must determine what
should contemplate what
ought to plan what

This phrase is used when you are contemplating the process or approach to achieve a certain goal or outcome.

Examples:

I have to think of how to solve this problem.
She has to think of how to organize the event.
They have to think of how to improve their performance.

Alternatives:

have to consider how to
need to figure out how to
must determine how to
should contemplate how to
ought to plan how to

Answer 1

have to think of what

This phrase is correct and commonly used when considering the specific thing or idea to focus on.

Answer 2

have to think of how to

This phrase is correct and commonly used when considering the method or way to do something.

"have to think of what" vs "have to think of how to"

have to think of what

have to think of how to

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