Come to think of it means now that I think about it. It introduces a thought or memory that has just occurred to you: We could ask Mina; she studied architecture, come to think of it. It often changes the plan: Come to think of it, the shop usually closes early on Mondays. Nobody is coming anywhere: come is part of the fixed phrase.
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Come to think of it, + newly remembered fact / statement + , come to think of it
- Come to think of it, I left a spare umbrella at the office.
- We could ask Mina; she studied architecture, come to think of it.
- Come to think of it, the shop usually closes early on Mondays.
What changed
First versionIf think about it, we already have a spare cable.
RevisionCome to think of it, we already have a spare cable.
Dropping the subject after if is easy when the meaning seems obvious: if think about it. But English needs a subject and a verb after if: if you think about it. That version leads to a conclusion, though; for something that has just occurred to you, the fixed phrase is come to think of it.
By the way brings in a new topic: By the way, have you seen Leo? Come to think of it introduces a thought that has only just come up in the conversation. On second thoughts changes a decision, while come to think of it may simply add a detail.
Your turn
Choose the fixed expression introducing a thought that has just occurred: ___ of it, Leo has a van we could borrow.
Show the answer
Come to think — The fixed phrase is come to think of it. If think doesn't work in English: if needs a subject and a verb.
You and a friend are choosing where to spend the weekend, and you suddenly remember a cheap hotel by the sea. Say it in one sentence with come to think of it.
Come to think of it, my cousin stayed at a cheap hotel by the sea last summer.
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