The pattern

"What do you think about" plus a noun or an -ing verb asks for someone's opinion. "What do you think about the new design?" invites a real answer, not yes or no. It is also a soft way to suggest: "What do you think about leaving early?" floats the idea and lets the other person react before you commit.

"What do you think of" is almost the same and very common, especially for first impressions: "What do you think of my new haircut?" Answer with "I think...", "I like...", "Honestly, I'm not sure", or "It's okay, but...".

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

  5. "Think of" is common for first impressions.

  6. Past form: asking about something you both saw.

  7. The short version. Often after showing something.

  9. A balanced answer: something good, then a gentle criticism.

Check yourself

1What does "What do you think about leaving early?" do?
2Which is common for first impressions?
3Which answer gives a balanced opinion?

Practice · 3 min

Ask for or give an opinion. Prompt on the left, one natural sentence on the right.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.