think it over

Meaning

This phrasal verb means to consider a decision, proposal, or idea carefully before making a final choice. It is often used in business negotiations or casual discussions when someone wants to avoid rushing into an agreement.

Examples

• That's a very generous offer, but I need a few days to think it over.

  That's a very generous offer, but I need a few days to think it over.

• Don't make a decision right now; take the weekend to think it over.

  Don't make a decision right now; take the weekend to think it over.

• He said he would think it over and get back to us with his answer tomorrow.

  He said he would think it over and get back to us with his answer tomorrow.

• Before you reject the job offer, make sure you really think it over.

  Before you reject the job offer, make sure you really think it over.

• We presented the terms of the merger, and their board is going to think it over.

  We presented the terms of the merger, and their board is going to think it over.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to think over it before signing.

  ✓ I need to think it over before signing.

  'Think over' is a separable phrasal verb. When using the pronoun 'it', it must go between 'think' and 'over'.

• ✗ I will think about it over tonight.

  ✓ I will think it over tonight.

  Do not mix 'think about it' and 'think it over'. Choose one or the other.

Related Expressions

Practice

• It's a big career change, so I'm going to take some time to ___.

  💡 Consider the choice carefully.

  Show answer

  think it over

• They offered me the manager position, but I need to ___ before accepting.

  💡 Ponder the decision.

  Show answer

  think it over