To form your own opinions and make your own decisions independently, without blindly following others.
To use your own brain to decide what you believe, instead of just copying what other people say.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To reason and form opinions independently, without being told what to think by others.
"Good education should teach children to think for themselves, not just to memorise answers."
The ability to think for oneself is essential in a democracy.
To make one's own choices or decisions without depending on guidance from others.
"Once she left home, she had to think for herself for the first time."
Always reflexive; the pronoun must agree with the subject ('he thinks for himself', 'they think for themselves'). Often used in contexts of education, critical thinking, or criticism of conformity.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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