"Thought" vs "Thought of"

Question

"Thought" vs "Thought of"

Both "thought of" and "thought" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Thought of" is used when referring to considering or coming up with an idea, while "thought" is used when referring to the act of thinking or having thoughts.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use "thought" when you want to refer to the act of thinking or having thoughts. It is often followed by a verb or a noun.

Examples:

I thought about what you said.
She thought deeply about the problem.
He thought for a moment before answering.
They thought it was a good idea.
We thought the movie was fantastic.

Alternatives:

considered
pondered
reflected on

Use "thought of" when you want to express that you have considered or come up with an idea. It is often followed by a noun or a gerund.

Examples:

I never thought of that before.
She thought of a new way to solve the problem.
Have you ever thought of traveling the world?
He thought of inviting his friends to the party.
They thought of a brilliant plan to surprise her.

Alternatives:

considered
came up with
conceived of

Answer 1

Thought

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the act of thinking or having thoughts.

Answer 2

Thought of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to considering or coming up with an idea.

"Thought" vs "Thought of"

Thought

Thought of

Related Comparisons