think ahead
Meaning(s)
1. consider or plan for something in the future
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
think ahead to something
Analysis
When you 'think ahead' you consider how to prepare for a future event by imagining or predicting what might happen. You might 'think ahead' and predict it will rain later so you bring an umbrella with you. You might invest in a pension plan after thinking ahead about the future. This is a common phrasal verb used in professional and social contexts.
Social Examples (Advance)
- The rain has absolutely soaked me. I wish I had thought ahead and taken an umbrella with me when I left home this morning.
- While I was still in school I had to think ahead about what subjects I might want to study at university in the future.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- If our company is to stay ahead of the game, we need to be thinking ahead to what type of products our customers will likely want in the coming years.
- I'm trying to concentrate on my work, but it is hard not to think ahead to what may happen at the meeting later. I'm very nervous about it!