I kept thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I kept thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you were continuously pondering or reflecting on something over a period of time. Example: "As I walked through the old neighborhood, I kept thinking about the memories we shared there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I kept thinking.

The New Yorker

I kept thinking of Burton.

The New Yorker

I kept thinking — what if something happens?

The New Yorker

I kept thinking about those little boys.

The New York Times

I kept thinking 'don't lose it'.

Independent

"I kept thinking, 'What is this?

The New York Times

I kept thinking: What's the catch?

The New York Times

We'll kiss... now, I kept thinking.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Who I kept thinking about throughout it.

The Guardian - Film

I kept thinking what if something happens?

The New Yorker

I kept thinking, "Medicine has to do better than this".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I kept thinking" to narrate your internal monologue or thought process, providing context to decisions, reactions, or conclusions you reached. This helps readers understand the reasoning behind your actions or opinions.

Common error

While "I kept thinking" is appropriate in informal contexts, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "I repeatedly considered" or "I continually reflected" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I kept thinking" functions as a narrative device to convey internal thoughts and reflections. It indicates a recurring or persistent mental process. Ludwig AI shows that it's commonly used to introduce a thought process that leads to a decision, realization, or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I kept thinking" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a continuous or recurring thought process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile, appearing in diverse contexts, although it's more prevalent in News & Media. When using this phrase, consider the context's formality and whether alternatives like "I continually considered" might be more suitable. Overusing it, especially in formal writing, can make your text sound less sophisticated. Instead, leverage its power to provide insights into internal monologues and reasoning, enhancing reader understanding and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I couldn't stop thinking

Stresses the compelling and sometimes obsessive quality of the thought.

I found myself thinking

Emphasizes the involuntary nature of the thought process.

My mind kept going back to

Indicates a return to a specific thought or idea.

I continually considered

Implies a more formal and sustained reflection than the original phrase.

I repeatedly reflected

Focuses on the act of looking back and thinking about something multiple times.

I was constantly turning over in my mind

Conveys the idea of actively and repeatedly considering something.

I persistently pondered

Highlights the ongoing nature of the thought process with a slightly more literary tone.

It occurred to me repeatedly

Highlights the recurring nature of an idea or realization.

I dwelled on the thought

Suggests a prolonged and immersive engagement with a particular thought.

I remained preoccupied with

Indicates a state of being mentally absorbed or engrossed in a specific matter.

FAQs

How can I use "I kept thinking" in a sentence?

Use "I kept thinking" to express a recurring thought or consideration. For example, "As I walked home, "I kept thinking" about the conversation we had."

What are some alternatives to "I kept thinking"?

You can use alternatives such as "I continually considered", "I repeatedly reflected", or "I found myself thinking" to express a similar idea.

Is it appropriate to use "I kept thinking" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "I kept thinking" might sound too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "I repeatedly considered" or "I persistently pondered" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "I kept thinking" and "I was thinking"?

"I kept thinking" implies a continuous or recurring thought, while "I was thinking" simply indicates a thought that occurred at some point in the past. The former emphasizes the repetition of the thought, whereas the latter does not.