I was even thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was even thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a thought or consideration that was unexpected or surprising in some way. Example: "I was even thinking about taking a trip to Europe this summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"I don't think I was even thinking of 9/11," Mr. Sheng said.

The New York Times - Arts

I was even thinking Thibaut was just not hard enough for football.

The Guardian - Sport

"When I look back on it, I wonder what I was even thinking.

Independent

By mid-morning, I was even thinking about abandoning the ride.

Independent

"I was even thinking about going there tonight, because we're having guests," she said.

The New York Times

I was even thinking I might have cast a woman as Heathcliff.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I'm even thinking of setting up a charity.

The Guardian

I'm even thinking the fleece may be polyester's greatest moment.

Independent

The truth is I'm even thinking of staying one more year.

The New Yorker

"I'm even thinking about changing the lighting outside the store".

The New York Times

And I am even thinking of getting "Unnecessarily bleak" put on a t-shirt.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was even thinking" to introduce a surprising or unexpected thought. It's effective for revealing a shift in perspective or a previously unconsidered option.

Common error

Avoid using "I was even thinking" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound too casual or conversational for academic or professional settings. Opt for more direct or assertive language to convey your thoughts.

Linguistic Context

To introduce a thought or idea, often one that is surprising or unexpected. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase serves to reveal a consideration that was previously unacknowledged or less prominent in the speaker's mind. The phrase indicates the start of a new idea or plan.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was even thinking" is a grammatically correct way to introduce a thought, often one that's surprising or unexpected. Ludwig AI highlights the suitability of the phrase across various contexts, mostly in news and media. While appropriate for general use, it should be used sparingly in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "I had even considered" for a more formal tone. Use the phrase to reveal a shift in perspective or a previously unconsidered option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had even considered

Replaces 'thinking' with 'considered', implying a more deliberate contemplation.

I was actually contemplating

Substitutes 'even thinking' with 'actually contemplating', suggesting a stronger degree of reflection.

It crossed my mind that

Offers a more idiomatic alternative, indicating a thought that briefly occurred.

I entertained the idea of

Presents a slightly more formal option, implying a tentative acceptance of the thought.

I had it in mind to

Implies a plan or intention that has formed in the speaker's mind.

I vaguely imagined

Indicates a less concrete and more imaginative consideration.

I began to wonder if

Shifts the focus to a sense of inquiry or doubt.

I was starting to believe

Suggests that the thought is gaining traction and becoming a conviction.

I might have been considering

Adds a layer of uncertainty or tentativeness to the consideration.

I'd been toying with the notion

Highlights the casual, exploratory nature of the thought.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I was even thinking" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "I had even considered", "I was actually contemplating", or "I entertained the idea of". The choice depends on the specific context and the degree of formality required.

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

"I was even thinking" implies that the thought was somewhat surprising or unexpected, even to the speaker. "I was just thinking", on the other hand, simply indicates a recent or ongoing thought process without necessarily implying surprise. Check this alternative: "I was just thinking".

When is it appropriate to use "I was even thinking" in writing?

This phrase is suitable for informal to neutral contexts, such as personal essays, blog posts, or conversations. It can also be used in more formal writing when aiming for a conversational tone or when introducing a personal reflection.

What are some common words to pair with "I was even thinking"?

Common words that follow this phrase include verbs like "about", "of", or "that", to introduce the specific thought or idea that was being considered. For example, "I was even thinking about quitting my job" or "I was even thinking that we should move".