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

Question

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

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Think of how to' is used when considering the method or way to do something, while 'think of what' is used when considering the content or subject of something. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

This phrase is used when you are contemplating the specific thing or idea that is being referred to.

Examples:

I need to think of what to say in the meeting.
She is thinking of what to cook for dinner.
Let's think of what to do this weekend.

Alternatives:

consider what
ponder what
reflect on what
contemplate what
mull over what

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

Examples:

I need to think of how to solve this problem.
She is thinking of how to improve her presentation skills.
Let's think of how to make this project successful.

Alternatives:

consider how to
ponder how to
reflect on how to
contemplate how to
mull over how to

Answer 1

think of what

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when considering the content or subject of something.

Answer 2

think of how to

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

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

think of what

think of how to

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