I recall thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I recall thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a memory or reflection about a past thought or consideration. Example: "I recall thinking that the project would take longer than expected, but we managed to finish ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Man, I hate moving," I recall thinking to myself.

The New Yorker

And I recall thinking: "Most people are not like that".

The Guardian

I recall thinking that vending machines would eventually have I.P. addresses, too.

The New York Times

I recall thinking how helpful it was to have had that injunction of the blindingly obvious.

The Guardian

But I recall thinking that I didn't know what my voice was.

The New York Times

I recall thinking: "Why aren't these cheerleaders recognized for their athletic performance?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

And I dimly recall thinking I should hide the pointy silverware.

The New York Times - Books

I don't recall thinking about my "age" again at all until I reached my early 50s.

Huffington Post

I don't recall thinking that this would be my fate, or resolving to avoid it.

The New Yorker

I don't recall thinking of us as rivals until a Wall Street Journalstory appeared that described us that way.

Harvard Business Review

All of my friends' mothers stayed home in this way, and I don't recall thinking there was anything remarkable about it: that was just what mothers did.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I recall thinking", ensure the subsequent thought logically follows the context. This helps maintain clarity and coherence in your writing.

Common error

While "I recall thinking" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider more concise alternatives such as "I remember" or "I recollect" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I recall thinking" functions as a narrative device, often used to introduce a past thought, feeling, or perspective. This is evident in Ludwig's examples where the phrase prefaces a specific recollection or reflection. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I recall thinking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to introduce a past thought or memory. Ludwig highlights that it functions primarily as a narrative device, providing context and setting the stage for sharing insights or reflections. While versatile, more concise alternatives like "I remember thinking" or "I recollect thinking" may be preferable in formal contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for use in written English, finding its primary usage in News & Media sources. Be mindful of overuse, and ensure that subsequent thoughts logically follow the context to maintain clarity and coherence in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I remember thinking

This alternative is more direct and emphasizes the act of remembering a specific thought.

I recollect thinking

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes bringing back a thought from the past.

As I recall, I thought

This alternative adds a slight emphasis on the act of recalling and then stating the thought.

If I remember correctly, I thought

This alternative introduces a degree of uncertainty to the recollection.

I seem to remember thinking

This alternative suggests a less clear or vivid memory of the thought.

I had the impression that

This alternative focuses on the feeling or sense one had at the time.

It comes to mind that I thought

This alternative emphasizes the spontaneous nature of the remembered thought.

My memory is that I thought

This alternative explicitly refers to one's memory as the source of the recollection.

Looking back, I thought

This alternative highlights the retrospective nature of the reflection.

I now realize I thought

This alternative emphasizes a current understanding about a past thought, often with a hint of changed perspective.

FAQs

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

Use "I recall thinking" to introduce a past thought or memory. For example, "I recall thinking that the project would be impossible, but we succeeded."

What are some alternatives to "I recall thinking"?

You can use alternatives like "I remember thinking", "I recollect thinking", or "as I recall, I thought" depending on the context.

Is "I recall thinking" formal or informal?

"I recall thinking" is generally considered neutral. For more formal situations, "I recollect thinking" might be more appropriate. In informal settings, "I remember thinking" is perfectly acceptable.

What's the difference between "I recall thinking" and "I remember thinking"?

The difference is subtle. "I recall thinking" suggests bringing a thought back to mind, while "I remember thinking" is a more direct statement of remembering. Both are generally interchangeable.