Think About Doing vs. Think To Do
Cambridge explicitly gives think of/about + -ing for plans or possible actions and rejects “think to do” in that construction. Think has other meanings and clause patterns, such as “I think that …”; this rule is specifically about considering a possible action.
Use “think about doing” or “think of doing” when you mean consider the possibility of an action; do not use “think to do” for that meaning.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning | Pattern | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| consider a possible action | think about/of + -ing | Use the documented consideration pattern. |
| state an opinion or belief | think + clause | Use the separate clause construction when that is the meaning. |
| use “think to + verb” as the same consideration pattern | think to do | Do not substitute it for “think about/of doing” in this sense. |
Quick tests
Consideration test
Do you mean consider the possibility of carrying out an action?
If yes: Use “think about doing” or “think of doing.”
If no: If you mean hold an opinion/belief, use the appropriate think + clause pattern.
Caveat: The restriction here concerns the possible-action meaning, not every construction containing “think.”
Examples
We are thinking about moving the meeting online.
“About + -ing” presents a possible action under consideration.
She thought of taking the earlier train.
“Of + -ing” is the documented alternative for considering an action.
I think that the second option is clearer.
This is a separate belief/opinion clause, outside the gerund-complement contrast.
Further guidance
Boundary
Think has other meanings and clause patterns, such as “I think that …”; this rule is specifically about considering a possible action.
Construction
Cambridge explicitly gives think of/about + -ing for plans or possible actions and rejects “think to do” in that construction.
Decision
Use “think about doing” or “think of doing” when you mean consider the possibility of an action; do not use “think to do” for that meaning.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Word patterns: think of doing something — Cambridge Grammar (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · For considering a possible action, Cambridge gives think of/about + -ing and rejects think to do in that pattern.