Commonly Confused:  think about, think (that)

 

Which group of words - think about or think (that) fits into the blank below?

 I __________ my work all the time.

Here we continue with our unit on prepositions and two-word verbs.

The verb think and the two-word verb think about have different meanings.

This will help you with your reading comprehension and with your writing.

THINK

The verb (to) think is an intransitive verb and a transitive verb. Click here for a definition.  In a sentence, it is followed by the direct object.  The direct object will be a dependent clause:

  • I think (that) there is nothing wrong with praying before a test.

  • I think (that) we need to learn to forgive others.

THINK ABOUT

The two-word verb think about is a transitive verb.  It is followed by either a noun or a pronoun or an adjective clause.

  • I think about my work all the time.

  • I think about how I am going to do on my test.

  • Why don't you think about it over the weekend.

What's next?

 

This concludes our lessons on Prepositions.  We shall follow up this lesson next week with three "Editing" practice exercises. 

So from the ESL Help Desk, thanks for dropping by for this lesson and remember to email us your questions about English grammar by way of our blog. 

All material is copyrighted, Software for Students.  Copying for PERSONAL USE ONLY. All others must contact Software for Students for permission to use in schools or other educational institutions.