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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

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I'm having second thoughts
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"I think I'm having second thoughts".

News & Media

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm having second thoughts about those damn school uniforms".

News & Media

The New Yorker

"At that time, I didn't believe it was intentional, but I'm having second thoughts," he says.

News & Media

The New York Times

"I'm having second thoughts about skiing, suddenly," McLean said, laying the fondue pot on the table.

News & Media

The New Yorker

But I'm having second thoughts - mostly I'm worried that beige will drain my face of colour.

News & Media

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It may be too strong of a word to say I'm "boycotting" the whole thing, but I'm having second thoughts.

News & Media

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

As we looked around, I was having second thoughts.

News & Media

The New York Times

Which is just as well, as I am having second thoughts about the bed as well.

News & Media

The New York Times

Sophie Thomas, 16, added: "I wanted to move away for university, but because of the cutbacks I am having second thoughts".

News & Media

The Guardian

Yet even as we drove, I was having second thoughts: If I shield my boys from the movie, then why I am taking them to the site of the real thing?

News & Media

The New York Times - Travel

"Usually, if you lose, then you go on after one or two days but, in this game, we were left thinking: 'How is that possible?' When you see how it happened, I was having second thoughts about this game.

News & Media

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

The phrase is highly effective in dialogue to signal to a counterpart that a previous agreement might need to be renegotiated.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase when you have already firmly decided to cancel a plan. It implies you are currently in the process of reconsidering; if the decision is already made, use a more definitive term like "I have decided against it".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

94%

Authority and reliability

4.9/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'm having second thoughts" functions as a present continuous verb construction that indicates an ongoing internal process of doubt. In the sentences analyzed by Ludwig, it serves as a bridge between an initial agreement and a potential withdrawal or change in direction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Lifestyle & Narrative

15%

General Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academic Writing

Scientific Reports

Legal Documents

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I'm having second thoughts" is a powerful linguistic tool for expressing developing doubt and re-evaluation. Based on the analysis from Ludwig, it is most frequently used in high-quality journalism and storytelling to humanize a decision-maker's internal struggle. While it is grammatically simple, its strength lies in its ability to soften the blow of a potential reversal in a neutral and relatable way. Whether you are writing a personal essay or a news feature, this phrase effectively bridges the gap between a past commitment and a current state of uncertainty. Alternatives like "I'm reconsidering" can offer a more formal tone, but the query phrase remains the gold standard for idiomatic clarity in both American and British English.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm reconsidering

More formal and direct, focusing on the action of re-evaluating

I'm thinking twice

Very close synonym that emphasizes a cautionary pause

I'm having doubts

Simpler and more direct expression of uncertainty

I'm doubting my decision

Explicitly identifies the object of the uncertainty

I'm questioning it

Suggests a more analytical or inquisitive approach to the doubt

I'm getting cold feet

Idiomatic and usually implies nervousness specifically before a major event

I'm in two minds

Idiomatic expression focusing on the state of being split between choices

I'm hesitant now

Focuses on the resultant state of hesitation rather than the process of thinking

I'm wavering

Implies a back-and-forth movement between two options

I have misgivings

Formal and suggests a deeper sense of unease or concern

FAQs

What is the meaning of "I'm having second thoughts"?

It means you are starting to doubt a decision you previously made or are reconsidering a commitment. It is similar to saying "I'm reconsidering".

Is "I'm having second thoughts" formal?

It is generally considered neutral. While common in speech, it frequently appears in respected news outlets like The New York Times. For a strictly professional context, you might prefer "I am re-evaluating".

Can I use "having second thoughts" in a professional email?

Yes, it is acceptable if you want to sound honest and human. However, if you want to sound more decisive, you could use "I have concerns" or "I'm revisiting this decision".

What's the difference between "second thoughts" and "cold feet"?

While both involve doubt, "cold feet" specifically refers to fear or anxiety right before a major event like a wedding, whereas "I'm having second thoughts" is a general term for any change of mind.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

94%

Authority and reliability

4.9/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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I'm having second thoughtsGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

I'm having second thoughts
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples