spare a thought to vs spare a thought

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Spare a thought to' is not a common phrase in English, while 'spare a thought' is more commonly used. The correct choice depends on whether you want to express the action of directing a thought to someone or something specific ('spare a thought to') or simply suggest thinking about someone or something ('spare a thought').

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 887 views

This phrase is not commonly used in English.

"spare a thought to "

This phrase is not a standard expression in English. It may sound awkward or incorrect in most contexts.

Show examples from the web [+]

Spare a thought for Ollie, as he didn't like this guy being around.
Let us spare a thought for him.
Something really must be done, and spare a thought for the victim's grieving widow.
Spare a thought for Ollie, because he definitely didn't like this guy being around.
Let us spare a thought today for our French fellow Members, who are suffering from a bout of full-blown schizophrenia.
This is a good time to spare a thought for those journalists who have been held hostage in Iraq for more than 100 days.
Perhaps you could spare a thought for your nephew trying to sleep downstairs?
Before you get completely carried away playing Jesus, Just spare a thought for Liz Birdsworth?
Mr President, we should spare a thought this morning for the victims of yesterday's avalanche in the Chamonix valley which swept away around 20 chalets.
While you're worrying about that billion dollar coffin striking the moon, spare a thought for the millions they might have fed with all that technology and expertise.
Before ending, allow me to spare a thought for the victims of storm Klaus, in France, Spain and Italy, and express my support for their families.
I should also like the Commissioner to go beyond the Youth programme and, instead of focusing on young people over 18 years old, to spare a thought for the fact that their formative years are during childhood.
It is only right, too, that we spare a thought for all those workers who die each day at work because their employers do not provide them with the resources necessary to work in good conditions.
On the same occasion the French Foreign Minister, Mr Douste-Blazy, declared in Salzburg that 'I would like to spare a thought for all those who suffered so much from ethnic cleansing, (...) which Milosevic conceived and planned'.
However, while we are attempting to resolve our own problems we must spare a thought for our friends and neighbours who are facing decisive challenges.
Leah, love, spare a thought for all the nice people who live round here!
Why not spare a thought for your own flesh and blood?
You should spare a thought for those who are listening.
author. - Mr President, we really ought to spare a thought here for the human rights activists who were recently murdered in the North Caucasus and light a candle in memory of them.
I therefore have a request, and that is to spare a thought, please, for those countries which have not adopted the Charter of Fundamental Rights, those who have opted out.

This phrase is commonly used in English.

"spare a thought"

'Spare a thought' is a common expression used to suggest thinking about someone or something. It is often used to show empathy or concern.

Examples:

Spare a thought for those less fortunate than you.
Let's spare a thought for the victims of the disaster.
I spare a thought for you during this difficult time.
It's important to spare a thought for others.
Can you spare a thought for what they are going through?

Show examples from the web [+]

It is only right, too, that we spare a thought for all those workers who die each day at work because their employers do not provide them with the resources necessary to work in good conditions.
However, while we are attempting to resolve our own problems we must spare a thought for our friends and neighbours who are facing decisive challenges.
Before you get completely carried away playing Jesus, Just spare a thought for Liz Birdsworth?
Before ending, allow me to spare a thought for the victims of storm Klaus, in France, Spain and Italy, and express my support for their families.
author. - Mr President, we really ought to spare a thought here for the human rights activists who were recently murdered in the North Caucasus and light a candle in memory of them.
Let us spare a thought for him.
Something really must be done, and spare a thought for the victim's grieving widow.
This is a good time to spare a thought for those journalists who have been held hostage in Iraq for more than 100 days.
Perhaps you could spare a thought for your nephew trying to sleep downstairs?
Mr President, we should spare a thought this morning for the victims of yesterday's avalanche in the Chamonix valley which swept away around 20 chalets.
While you're worrying about that billion dollar coffin striking the moon, spare a thought for the millions they might have fed with all that technology and expertise.
On the same occasion the French Foreign Minister, Mr Douste-Blazy, declared in Salzburg that 'I would like to spare a thought for all those who suffered so much from ethnic cleansing, (...) which Milosevic conceived and planned'.
Leah, love, spare a thought for all the nice people who live round here!
Why not spare a thought for your own flesh and blood?
You should spare a thought for those who are listening.
I therefore have a request, and that is to spare a thought, please, for those countries which have not adopted the Charter of Fundamental Rights, those who have opted out.
And if by some miracle I manage to stay on a horse for long enough to pass the examination, please spare a thought while you are off studying the law, following your dream at my expense!
Spare a thought for Ollie, as he didn't like this guy being around.
Spare a thought for Ollie, because he definitely didn't like this guy being around.
I should also like the Commissioner to go beyond the Youth programme and, instead of focusing on young people over 18 years old, to spare a thought for the fact that their formative years are during childhood.

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spare a thought to vs spare a thought