I was thinking about whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was thinking about whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are reflecting on a decision or considering different possibilities or options. Example: "I was thinking about whether to accept the job offer or continue my job search."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When my mind wasn't wandering, I was thinking about whether to present the home-delivery issue to Abigail as one more reason why it made sense to live in New York rather than San Francisco.

The New Yorker

I remember at a particularly low moment when my father had sent me a plane ticket to visit him and I was thinking about whether or not I should go.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I am thinking about whether to continue or whether to quit.

The Guardian - Tech

I did it because I'm thinking about whether to do a masters, and what to study.

The Guardian

"I am thinking about whether some are a little bit too small; one or two are particularly vulnerable with falls in foreign students".

The Guardian

During the discussion on taxes, which dominated the relatively breezy hearing, Mr. O'Neill provoked laughter when he said, "I'm thinking about whether I can still get away with being a maverick for a few more days".

The New York Times

tag yourself I'm thinking about whether I would, just for the story, and even I wouldn't.

Vice

"I'm thinking about (whether or not to go)," said at a Monday event in Madrid, according to ESPN.

HuffPost

As I write this on the plane home from this latest business trip, I am thinking about whether I could have done more - could I have been more engaged or more understanding, could I have had more patience?

Huffington Post

Their respective mental states represent some state or feature of the world, which is also to say that there is something that each of them is thinking about, whether apples or tides or pastures.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

I was thinking about my role and whether the company was still the right place for me to be," he says.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was thinking about whether" to introduce a reflection on a decision, possibility, or option you are considering. It effectively sets up a scenario of internal deliberation.

Common error

Avoid substituting "that" for "whether" in sentences expressing uncertainty or a choice between alternatives. "Whether" correctly introduces the alternative being considered, while "that" introduces a statement of fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was thinking about whether" functions as an introductory phrase that sets the stage for expressing doubt, consideration, or contemplation about a particular situation or choice. It's used to introduce a question or scenario the speaker is pondering, aligning with the observations from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was thinking about whether" serves as a versatile introductory phrase used to express contemplation, doubt, or uncertainty. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, demonstrating its broad applicability. While generally neutral in tone, its precise use should align with the specific scenario to maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy. By considering related phrases, like "I was contemplating whether", and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively communicate their thought processes and internal deliberations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English when reflecting on a decision or considering different possibilities or options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was contemplating whether

Replaces "thinking" with a more formal "contemplating", emphasizing deeper consideration.

I was considering whether

Uses "considering" for a slightly less intense form of thought.

I wondered whether

Emphasizes a state of curiosity or uncertainty.

I was pondering whether

Similar to contemplating, but may imply a more abstract or philosophical consideration.

I was debating whether

Highlights the internal conflict or weighing of options.

I was unsure whether

Focuses on the lack of certainty in the decision.

I was questioning whether

Highlights the act of doubting or scrutinizing a particular idea.

I was trying to decide whether

Emphasizes the effort to reach a conclusion.

I was in two minds about whether

Indicates indecision and internal conflict.

I had doubts about whether

Focuses on the presence of skepticism or uncertainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was thinking about whether" to introduce a decision you're contemplating, such as "I was thinking about whether to take the job offer or continue my studies".

What's a more formal alternative to "I was thinking about whether"?

A more formal alternative could be "I was contemplating whether". "I was contemplating whether" suggests a deeper and more serious consideration.

Can I use "if" instead of "whether" after "I was thinking about"?

While "if" can sometimes replace "whether", it's generally better to use "whether" when presenting two or more distinct alternatives. "I was thinking about whether" is more precise in these cases.

Is "I was thinking about if" grammatically correct?

While sometimes used informally, "I was thinking about whether" is generally considered more grammatically correct, especially in formal writing. Use "I was thinking about whether" to clearly indicate a choice between options.