I was thinking about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was thinking about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a thought or consideration regarding a specific topic or idea. Example: "I was thinking about how we could improve our marketing strategy for the upcoming campaign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I was thinking about that era.

The Guardian

"I was thinking about staying.

Independent

"I was thinking about surviving".

The New York Times

I was thinking about them.

The New York Times

"I was thinking about him.

The New York Times

I was thinking about things too much.

Independent

"I was thinking about taking the subway.

The New Yorker

"I was thinking about the children.

Independent

"I was thinking about that last night.

The New York Times

I was thinking about the players.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was thinking [about] it," said Jones.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was thinking about" to introduce a thought process or consideration, providing context for subsequent actions or decisions. For example, "I was thinking about taking a vacation, so I started researching destinations."

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "I was thinking about" without providing a clear connection to the main point. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was thinking about" functions as an introductory phrase to express a state of mind or a previous consideration. As Ludwig AI points out, it introduces a thought process, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was thinking about" is a very common and grammatically correct way to introduce a thought or consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. It's versatile, fitting into neutral and professional contexts, and can be used to introduce a variety of topics or provide context for subsequent statements. While it's widely applicable, be mindful of overuse and strive for varied sentence structures in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had been pondering

Emphasizes a more reflective and deliberate consideration.

I'd been contemplating

Suggests a thoughtful and prolonged period of reflection.

I was giving consideration to

Emphasizes the act of carefully assessing something.

I considered

Implies a more direct and decisive form of thinking.

I reflected on

Focuses on past events or experiences during the act of thinking.

I entertained the idea of

Highlights that the thought was a possibility or option.

I dwelled on

Implies lingering and sustained thought, often about something troubling.

I gave thought to

Indicates a formal and deliberate consideration.

I turned over in my mind

Conveys the idea of repeatedly considering something from different angles.

I mused about

Suggests a more whimsical or imaginative form of thinking.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "I considered", "I contemplated", or "I reflected on" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "I was thinking about" in a sentence?

Use "I was thinking about" to introduce a thought process or a topic you've been considering. For instance, "I was thinking about the project deadline and realized we need more time."

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

Both "I was thinking of" and "I was thinking about" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on subtle nuances in meaning or personal preference.

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

"I was thinking about" refers to a past thought process, while "I am thinking about" refers to a current thought. For example, "I was thinking about our conversation yesterday" versus "I am thinking about what to have for dinner."