GRAMMAR DETAIL

～ようと思う

be thinking of doing; intend to

Follows the volitional form of a verb to express an intention just formed or a plan the speaker has been considering.

Examples

今夜は早く寝ようと思う。

I am thinking of going to bed early tonight.

次の休みに祖父の家を訪ねようと思います。

I am thinking of visiting my grandfather during my next vacation.

週末に部屋を片づけようと思います。

I am thinking of tidying my room this weekend.

Structure: A verb's volitional form is followed by the quotation particle と and 思う.
Basic usage: 今夜は早く寝ようと思う。 expresses an intention to go to bed early tonight.

Volitional form and a quoted plain form
- 行こうと思う expresses an intention to go, while 行くと思う can express a judgment that someone will go. Distinguish 行こう from 行く.
A present intention and a maintained plan
- 行こうと思っている presents an intention to go as being maintained. 行こうと思う does not always mean that the idea first arose at the moment of speaking.