I started thinking maybe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started thinking maybe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express a shift in your thoughts or considerations about a particular topic or situation. Example: "I started thinking maybe we should reconsider our approach to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I started thinking, maybe it's not such a bad idea".

The New York Times

Then I started thinking, maybe I still was one.

The New York Times

"I started thinking maybe I could end up really liking this place," she said.

The New York Times

And I started thinking: maybe this was a chance to get at aspects of climate disruption that scientific reports and political arguments just can't convey.

The Guardian

"I started thinking: maybe this was a chance to get at aspects of climate disruption that scientific reports and political arguments just can't convey.

The Guardian

"Three world-class players; that was the point I started thinking maybe this guy Clough wanted to do something in this division".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"This is the first time I've started thinking maybe I should leave," said Burcu, an academic living in Istanbul.

Vice

She started thinking, "Maybe I should invest in them.

HuffPost

Murray started thinking maybe it was his chance to launch something.

Forbes

"We started thinking, maybe it's not as interesting anymore.

Los Angeles Times

"After Bush v. Gore is really when our country started thinking, maybe for the first time after the civil rights movement, there's really a lot of emphasis on elections, what's going on with elections, how can elections be so close, how can the technology be so bad," she said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started thinking maybe" to introduce a thought that developed over time, rather than a sudden realization. This phrasing effectively conveys a gradual shift in perspective or consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "I started thinking maybe" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms like "I began to consider" or "It occurred to me" to prevent the text from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started thinking maybe" functions as a transitional phrase, often introducing a new idea, possibility, or a shift in perspective. It is a conversational way to preface a thought, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. For instance, "I started thinking maybe I should invest in them." implies a consideration that developed over time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started thinking maybe" serves as a conversational bridge, introducing a developing thought or consideration. It's grammatically sound and frequently found in news and media contexts, showcasing its versatility across different registers. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. When writing, keep in mind that although correct, the phrase can be overused so consider using alternatives like "I began to consider that" or "It occurred to me that" to vary sentence structure and enhance readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had a thought that perhaps

Adds a layer of uncertainty with "perhaps", making it slightly less assertive.

It occurred to me that

Highlights the sudden realization of a possibility or idea.

It dawned on me that

Similar to "it occurred to me", but often suggests a more impactful realization.

I began to consider that

Emphasizes the commencement of a thought process with a slightly more formal tone.

I wondered if

Expresses a state of uncertainty and inquiry.

I entertained the idea that

Suggests that the idea was considered but not necessarily accepted.

I speculated that

Indicates conjecture or forming a theory without firm evidence.

I came to the conclusion that

Indicates a more definitive result of the thought process.

I reasoned that

Implies a logical thought process leading to a particular conclusion.

I started to believe that

Implies a growing conviction or acceptance of an idea.

FAQs

What does "I started thinking maybe" imply?

The phrase "I started thinking maybe" suggests a gradual shift in thought or consideration, indicating that an idea or possibility began to occur to someone over time.

What can I say instead of "I started thinking maybe"?

You can use alternatives like "I began to consider that", "It occurred to me that", or "I wondered if" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I started thinking maybe"?

Yes, "I started thinking maybe" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English to introduce a thought or possibility that began to develop.

How can I use "I started thinking maybe" effectively in my writing?

Use "I started thinking maybe" to introduce thoughts that developed gradually. For example, "After considering all the options, I started thinking maybe a different approach was needed."