I was just thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was just thinking" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you had a moment of contemplation about something. For example: After hearing the news, I was just thinking about how it would affect our plans.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was just thinking," she said.

The New York Times

I was just thinking about it today.

Independent

"I was just thinking about my life".

The New York Times - Sports

"I was just thinking about her.

The New York Times

I was just thinking, well, why not?

The Guardian - Music

I was just thinking how cool".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was just thinking about that.

The New York Times

"I was just thinking the same thing".

The New York Times

He said later, "I was just thinking, Fuck.

The New Yorker

"I was just thinking about stuff, I guess".

The New Yorker

"I was just thinking about six," Sean began.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was just thinking" to introduce a thought or idea that you've recently had, especially when transitioning into a new topic or offering a suggestion.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "I was just thinking", as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Mix it up with other introductory phrases or get straight to the point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was just thinking" functions as a discourse marker, introducing a thought, suggestion, or opinion. As shown in the examples provided by Ludwig, it often precedes a statement to soften the assertion or present it as a casual consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was just thinking" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a thought or suggestion in a non-assertive way. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It is prevalent in news and media, academic writing, and everyday conversations. To avoid redundancy, vary your sentence structure with alternatives like "I was contemplating" or "It crossed my mind". Remember, while common, strategic use enhances clarity and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was merely contemplating

Replaces "just thinking" with a more formal and deliberate term, "contemplating".

I was simply reflecting on

Substitutes "just thinking" with "simply reflecting on", suggesting a more introspective consideration.

I happened to be pondering

Uses "happened to be" to soften the statement and "pondering" to indicate a deeper thought.

I found myself wondering

Shifts the focus to a state of wonder, implying a less structured thought process.

It crossed my mind that

Indicates a thought that briefly occurred to the speaker.

The thought occurred to me

A more formal way of expressing that a thought came to mind.

I was in the process of considering

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the thought process, using more formal language.

I entertained the idea that

Suggests a more speculative or imaginative thought.

I've been giving some thought to

Indicates a more sustained period of thinking about something.

I had been turning over in my mind

Implies a more thorough and repetitive consideration of an issue.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "I was contemplating" or "I had been considering", which imply a deeper level of thought.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "I was just thinking" in an essay?

While grammatically correct, starting sentences with "I was just thinking" too often can make your writing sound informal. Use it sparingly and consider alternatives for a more polished tone.

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

"I was just thinking" refers to a past thought, while "I am just thinking" implies you are currently in the process of thinking. The former is used to introduce an idea you've already formulated, while the latter describes an ongoing mental activity.

Can I use "I was just thinking" in business communication?

Yes, but use it judiciously. In more formal business contexts, phrases like "Upon reflection" or "After considering" may be more appropriate. However, "I was just thinking" can be suitable for more casual internal communications.