I started thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you began to form thought or opinions about a particular subject. For example, "When I heard the news, I started thinking about how I could help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I didn't think it was anything different 'til my mum said some stuff I started thinking.

BMJ Open

"I started thinking about Lakewood.

The New York Times

"So I started thinking about it".

The New York Times

Recently, I started thinking about suicide.

The New Yorker

Of course, I started thinking about girls.

The New Yorker

"I started thinking about the implications".

The New York Times

"I started thinking about joy," Blakely said.

The New Yorker

He added: "I started thinking too much.

The New York Times - Sports

I started thinking about the subway.

The New York Times

I started thinking about hypnotherapy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Probably before I started thinking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “I started thinking” to clearly indicate the initiation of a thought process, ensuring the context provides clarity on what triggered this shift in thinking. This phrase is best when followed by a specific object of thought.

Common error

Avoid using “I started thinking” without clearly stating what you began to think about. A sentence like "I started thinking, and then things happened" lacks the necessary context and leaves the reader without understanding your thought process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started thinking" functions as a transitional phrase indicating the initiation of a cognitive process. It sets the stage for the introduction of new ideas, reflections, or considerations. Ludwig shows numerous examples where this phrase precedes a specific thought or conclusion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started thinking" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a new thought process or reflection. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, especially in news, media, academic, and scientific writing. While it's versatile, it's important to follow it with a clear explanation of what you began to think about. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "I began to consider". By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "I started thinking" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It occurred to me

Highlights the sudden and unexpected arrival of a thought.

I got to thinking

Suggests a more casual and spontaneous onset of thought.

I began to consider

Emphasizes a more formal or deliberate initiation of thought.

I found myself thinking

Highlights the involuntary nature of the thought process.

I commenced thinking

Implies a more structured or planned start to thinking.

I started to contemplate

Indicates a deeper and more sustained form of thinking.

I turned my thoughts to

Focuses on the redirection of existing thoughts towards a new subject.

I entertained the notion

Suggests considering something new or unusual.

I conceived the idea

Emphasizes the birth of an idea within the thought process.

Thoughts began to stir

Poetic way of indicating the inception of the thinking process.

FAQs

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

Use "I started thinking" to introduce a new line of reasoning or consideration. For example, "After hearing their argument, "I started thinking" about the potential consequences".

What's a more formal alternative to "I started thinking"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "I began to consider" or "I commenced to think". These alternatives suggest a more deliberate and structured thought process than ""I started thinking"".

How does "I started thinking" differ from "I was thinking"?

"I started thinking" indicates the beginning of a thought process, while "I was thinking" suggests an ongoing or continuous state of thought. The former marks the initiation, and the latter describes the state of thinking over a period. Thus, ""I started thinking"" marks the moment you began to ponder, and "I was thinking" describes the time you were pondering.

Can "I started thinking" be used in academic writing?

While acceptable, ""I started thinking"" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. More suitable alternatives include "I began to consider" or "This prompted me to reflect on" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.