➡ Think OF = bear in mind/take into account/think quickly/consider
(usually works as a stative verb = can't be continuous)
- Think of the teachers who only have 12 weeks holiday a year (bear this fact in mind/Have a thought for)
- Do you remember that tall guy with a beard and glasses, I can't think of his name... oh yes, Sarah! (can't remember)
- Come to think of it, I am busy this weekend, so no, I can't meet you. (consider)
- Think of a number between 1 and 10.... F! (think quickly)
➡ Think ABOUT = consider/contemplate/ponder
(often in the continuous form because it is a longer thought process)
- I am thinking about what to have for dinner... emmm... fish and chips... or.... emmm... or maybe two portions of fish and chips! (longer consideration)
- I like sitting on beaches and thinking about my existence. (pondering)
➡ BUT...
"opinion" (the meanings are almost exactly the same)
-What do you think OF my plan? Rubbish!
-What do you think ABOUT my plan? Emmmmmm... emm.. rubbish!
➡ BUT (2)...
You might see on greeting cards:
Thinking of you - Thinking about you
(because we are using the continuous form here, thinking OF now means thinking ABOUT. This is something I believe native speakers of English have confused over the years and it has crept its way into everyday use... blin!)
Compare:
✅ Think of me when you are on holiday! (ok)
✅ Think about me when you are on holiday! (ok)
✅ I will think about your offer! (ok)
✖ I will think of your offer! (wrong)
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