I was thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you were considering an idea or to introduce an opinion. For example: "I was thinking that maybe we should try a different approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was thinking: "Typical.

Independent

I was thinking.

The New Yorker

I was thinking, Mixed drinks.

The New Yorker

"I was thinking about staying.

Independent

"I was thinking about surviving".

The New York Times

"I was thinking of you".

The New Yorker

Precisely what I was thinking.

The New York Times

I was thinking about them.

The New York Times

I was thinking before college.

The New York Times

I was thinking of it.

The New York Times

I pretended I was thinking.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was thinking" to gently introduce a suggestion or opinion, making it sound less assertive. For instance, "I was thinking we could try a different approach."

Common error

In formal writing, avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "I was thinking". It can make your writing sound repetitive and less professional. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use stronger verbs to express your thoughts directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was thinking" serves as an introductory expression to preface an idea, suggestion, or opinion. It softens the statement, making it less assertive. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, demonstrated through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was thinking" is a versatile phrase used to introduce ideas, suggestions, or opinions in a non-assertive way. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. While suitable for most contexts, formal writing may benefit from more direct alternatives. When aiming to soften a statement or invite collaborative consideration, "I was thinking" proves to be an effective choice. Varying your phrasing with options such as "I had been considering" can enhance the impact and clarity of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My thought was

A more direct and concise way of expressing what one was thinking.

I had been considering

Emphasizes a prolonged period of consideration prior to the moment of speaking.

I've been pondering

Implies a deeper, more contemplative thought process.

It occurred to me

Suggests a sudden realization or idea.

I entertained the idea

Indicates that a thought was considered but not necessarily acted upon.

I was under the impression

Highlights a belief or assumption that may or may not be accurate.

I've been meaning to ask

Focuses on the intention behind a thought or question.

I imagined

Suggests visualizing or creating a mental image.

In my estimation

Implies forming an opinion or judgment.

I assumed

Indicates a conclusion reached without concrete proof.

FAQs

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

Use "I was thinking" to introduce a suggestion, idea, or opinion. For example, "I was thinking we should order pizza tonight" or "I was thinking about your proposal and have some feedback".

What can I say instead of "I was thinking"?

You can use alternatives like "I had been considering", "it occurred to me", or "my thought was depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "I was thinking"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to start a sentence. However, in formal writing, consider varying your sentence structure for a more sophisticated tone.

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

"I was thinking" implies a more ongoing or recent thought process, while "I thought" suggests a completed thought from the past. For example, "I was thinking about this problem earlier" versus "I thought about it yesterday".