I started thinking about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started thinking about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you began to contemplate or consider a particular topic or idea. Example: "I started thinking about the implications of climate change after reading the latest report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"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

I started thinking about the subway.

The New York Times

I started thinking about hypnotherapy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I started thinking about girls.

The New York Times - Magazine

A. I started thinking about it two years ago.

The New York Times

That's when I started thinking about doing this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started thinking about" to clearly indicate the beginning of a thought process or when you began considering something new. It's a direct way to show the evolution of your thoughts.

Common error

Avoid using "I started thinking about" when referring to long-term beliefs or deeply ingrained philosophies. It's better suited for specific instances where you initiated a thought on a particular topic. For pre-existent deep thoughts, use "I believe" or "I have always thought".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started thinking about" functions as a declarative statement indicating the initiation of a thought process. Ludwig AI validates this usage with numerous examples demonstrating its role in introducing a topic of consideration or reflection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started thinking about" is a versatile and commonly used expression to introduce a new train of thought. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it’s best suited for narrating specific instances where contemplation began, rather than referring to deeply ingrained beliefs. Alternatives such as "I began to consider" or "I turned my attention to" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis. Avoiding overuse in abstract contexts and being mindful of stylistic alternatives will enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to consider

Focuses on the commencement of careful thought or deliberation.

I commenced contemplating

Emphasizes a more formal and reflective beginning of thought.

I turned my attention to

Highlights a shift in focus towards a particular subject.

I gave thought to

Implies a deliberate decision to dedicate mental energy to something.

I entertained the idea of

Suggests considering a possibility or plan.

It crossed my mind to

Indicates a thought that arose spontaneously.

I found myself pondering

Highlights the involuntary nature of the thinking process.

I started to wonder about

Emphasizes curiosity and uncertainty.

I became aware of

Focuses on the initial realization that prompts further thought.

I shifted my focus toward

Suggests a change in mental direction.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I started thinking about"?

Consider using phrases such as "I began to consider", "I commenced contemplating", or "I turned my attention to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of initiating thought. For example, the alternative phrase "I began to consider" focus on commencement of careful thought.

Is it correct to say "I started to think about" instead of "I started thinking about"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "I started thinking about" emphasizes the continuous nature of the thinking process, while "I started to think about" highlights the initiation of the thought. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. For example, if you want to emphasize a change in mental direction consider "I turned my attention to".

When is it appropriate to use "I started thinking about" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to describe the moment or period when you began considering a specific topic, idea, or problem. It's best used when narrating a sequence of events or explaining the development of your thoughts. If you want to empathize more on something that you already new consider using "I gave thought to".

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

"I started thinking about" indicates the initiation of the thought process, suggesting a beginning point. "I was thinking about", on the other hand, refers to a state of ongoing thought, without necessarily specifying when the thinking began. Therefore, "I was thinking about" is less specific, and it is useful for a state of an action, like in the alternative phrase "I found myself pondering".