I was thinking of asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was thinking of asking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a consideration or intention to pose a question or request. Example: "I was thinking of asking if you would like to join us for dinner this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She's since apologized, telling the Washington Post, "I was thinking of asking the forgiveness from the parents and also promising them that we would not teach the kids this kind of dance.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'm thinking of asking the broker to scale back on the fancy signs and deluxe brochures.

The New York Times

To those well-meaning folks who are curious: Ask yourself, first, "Why I am thinking of asking this question?" Every query doesn't need to see the light of day.

The New York Times

"We're moving forward under the premise that there will be no centralization, though I'm thinking of asking them one last time if this is really O.K., whether their young relatives are in agreement".

The New York Times

I'm thinking of asking them for advice.

BBC

He broke the news to Mr. McDonough that he was thinking of asking Congress to sign off on a strike against Syria.

The New York Times

In 2010, Mr. Shakhbandarov told the newly elected mayor, Gary Leitzell, that he was thinking of asking Turkish immigrants across the United States to settle here.

The New York Times

But Chelsea, which can be as mysterious as Shenhua when it comes to telling supporters what its intentions are toward signing players, was thinking of asking Drogba to return for the short term.

The New York Times - Sports

"I saw she had the books for the next courses I was thinking of taking and asked whether I could borrow them".

Huffington Post

Midfielder Clint Dempsey likes the ball and is thinking of asking it to go steady.

The New York Times - Sports

Joss Stone is thinking of asking ageing rocker Mick Jagger to sing with her at one of the Games ceremonies.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was thinking of asking" to introduce a question or request politely and tentatively. It softens the directness of the query.

Common error

Avoid using "I was thinking of asking" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more direct and concise alternatives like "I would like to request" or "I am inquiring about" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was thinking of asking" serves as an introductory expression indicating that the speaker is contemplating posing a question or making a request. As Ludwig AI states, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was thinking of asking" is a versatile phrase used to introduce questions or requests in a polite and less direct manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the phrase is commonly found in news, media, and everyday conversation. While acceptable in various contexts, it's important to consider more direct alternatives for formal settings to maintain a professional tone. Remember to use this phrase thoughtfully to effectively communicate your intentions while maintaining the appropriate level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was planning to ask

Focuses on the planning aspect, indicating a slightly more concrete intention.

I thought about asking

This version is slightly less committal, suggesting a casual consideration.

I intended to ask

Directly states the intention to ask, simplifying the original phrase.

I considered requesting

This alternative uses "considered" instead of "thinking" offering a more formal tone.

I was meaning to ask

Highlights the speaker's intention to ask, which may have been delayed or forgotten.

I contemplated inquiring

Replaces "thinking" with "contemplated" and "asking" with "inquiring", resulting in a more thoughtful and formal tone.

I'm wondering if I should ask

Expresses uncertainty and contemplation about asking.

I had it in mind to ask

This option uses a more idiomatic expression to convey the intention of asking.

I'm toying with the idea of asking

Indicates a tentative consideration with "toying with the idea", implying less seriousness.

I'm on the verge of asking

Conveys being very close to asking, indicating immediacy.

FAQs

What's a more direct way to say "I was thinking of asking"?

You can use alternatives such as "I planned to ask", or "I intended to ask". These options convey your intention more directly.

Is "I was thinking of asking" appropriate for formal emails?

While acceptable, it might sound less assertive. Consider a more direct approach such as, "I am writing to request" or "I am inquiring about" depending on your goal.

How can I make "I was thinking of asking" sound more tentative?

To soften your question, you could say, "I was wondering if I could ask" or "I was toying with the idea of asking."

What can I say instead of "I was thinking of asking" when seeking advice?

You might say, "I'm considering seeking advice on..." or "I thought about asking for your opinion on...". For example: I'm considering seeking advice on "investment strategies".