not to think vs to not think

Both "not to think" and "to not think" are correct constructions in English. The choice between them depends on the emphasis you want to give to the negation. "Not to think" is more common and emphasizes the action that should not be taken, while "to not think" places more emphasis on the negation of the thinking itself.

Last updated: April 04, 2024 • 177 views

not to think

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that a certain action should not be taken or considered.

Examples:

It's important not to think too much about the past.
She told him not to think about the consequences.
Not to think about the future is to deny reality.
The doctor advised her not to think about the worst-case scenario.
Not to think before acting can lead to mistakes.

Show examples from the web [+]

I prefer not to think of such dark, ugly business at all.
Considered with something not to think more.
The author of the text warns not to think that practicing zazen in a dark place where nothing is seen or heard is relaxing.
My main goal in life was not, not to think.
Hard not to think that they're the bank robbers.
It's just so hard not to think of you.
Sometimes it's better not to think.
But you told me not to think of Kahlan.
If I ever hear it again, it'll be difficult not to think of you.
On my way to Firehouse Row, I tried not to think of Juliet Forrest.
In fact, I'm sure I asked you not to think at all.
It's hard not to think that I wouldn't be sitting right where you are.
A doctor was constructed not to think of anything else alive except humans.
It's hard not to think of thosegirls, kept in that basement.
And I tried not to think of the politics of it all.
Even in your fair company, I find it hard not to think of the plague that rages on while we sit and sup here.
In those 30 minutes, forcing yourself not to think that soy seems like dog food, begin to prepare the sauce for the stew.
Joe... I told you not to think.
It is important not to think of the YouTube videos as something similar or equal to what is done on TV, the traditional marketing push.
A landing was therefore not to think!

Alternatives:

to avoid thinking
to refrain from thinking
to steer clear of thinking
to resist thinking
to abstain from thinking

to not think

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

This phrase is used to emphasize the negation of the action of thinking itself.

Examples:

She decided to not think about the problem anymore.
He tried to not think about what had happened.
To not think about the future is to live in the present.
They chose to not think about the consequences.
It's hard to not think about the possibilities.

Show examples from the web [+]

My advice here would be to not think of it as the "a" word at all.
I need to not think about you!
It's just that it's the first time in weeks that I've been able to not think about Damien and the first time in even longer that I've actually been happy.
The same broken disk that begins turning on stage. "Work, produce, are a worker body". A life that forces to not think is a life that forces to evade in every possible way.
You got to not think and just talk.
My job is to not think.
It's harder to not think about him.
I sing like this so to not think.
The coincidence is too clear to not think about it.
To get the job done you have to not think.
That's a lot of things to not think about, Abs.
Perhaps it is better for you to not think of what Oliver has become.
I just want to not think about this and move on with the rest of my life.
This considering I was in the Marines at 17 years old in 1974. Trainned to not think but do. Kill or be killed.
Summers and swimming pools are inevitable combination and it is almost impossible to not think about the two together.
No, no, it's a common mistake to not think I was President.
I wanted you to not think she was a she.
You got to not think and just talk.
Suit must be the last mission I'm too slow to not think about it
Apparently I make things to not think about other things.

Alternatives:

to avoid thinking
to refrain from thinking
to steer clear of thinking
to resist thinking
to abstain from thinking

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