I was thinking about it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was thinking about it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when reflecting on a topic or considering something in the past. Example: "I was thinking about it all night, trying to come up with a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I don't think I was thinking about it at that moment.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But if you ask me, I think somewhat I was thinking about it".

The New York Times - Sports

"Tonight I was thinking about it.

The New York Times - Sports

I was thinking about it very seriously.

The Guardian

"I was thinking about it," Gonzalez said.

The Guardian - Sport

"Last night I was thinking about it," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was thinking about it all the time.

The New Yorker

The Navy knew I was thinking about it.

University of California, Berkeley

So that's kind of how I was thinking about it.

Columbia University

I told him I was thinking about it.

The Washington Post

I was thinking about it all the time," he says.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "I was considering it" or "I had it on my mind" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I was thinking about it" without providing specific details or context about what 'it' refers to. Ensure clarity by immediately following up with the subject of your thoughts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was thinking about it" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing a past mental activity. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. This phrase often introduces a reflection or consideration, setting the stage for further explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Academia

10%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was thinking about it" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey past contemplation. Ludwig's analysis confirms its broad applicability, particularly within News & Media and Academic contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to provide clear context to what 'it' refers to and to consider synonyms like "I considered it" or "I reflected on it" for variety. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase serves to introduce a thought process, explain decisions, or set the stage for a narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was pondering it

Replaces "thinking" with "pondering", suggesting a deeper level of consideration.

I was considering it

Replaces "thinking" with "considering", implying a more deliberate evaluation.

I had it on my mind

Shifts the focus to the idea being present in one's thoughts.

I was reflecting on it

Replaces "thinking" with "reflecting", indicating a more retrospective and thoughtful consideration.

It crossed my mind

Indicates a brief or passing thought.

I gave it some thought

Emphasizes the action of dedicating mental energy to the idea.

I'd been mulling it over

Suggests a prolonged period of quiet contemplation.

I entertained the idea

Implies consideration of an idea's potential or feasibility.

I was preoccupied with it

Suggests that the thought was dominant or intrusive.

I'd been turning it over in my head

Implies active mental engagement and exploration of the idea.

FAQs

What's a simple substitute for "I was thinking about it"?

You could say "I considered it", which implies you gave it some thought.

When is it better to use "I considered it" over "I was thinking about it"?

While both are similar, "I considered it" often suggests a more formal or decisive level of thought than "I was thinking about it".

Can "I was thinking about it" be used in formal writing?

Yes, but in formal contexts, consider alternatives like "I reflected on it" or "I contemplated it" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is there a difference between "I was thinking about it" and "It crossed my mind"?

"It crossed my mind" suggests a fleeting thought, while "I was thinking about it" implies a more sustained period of consideration.