I was thinking over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was thinking over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you were considering or reflecting on something. Example: "I was thinking over the proposal you submitted and I have some suggestions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I was thinking over and over again, trying to remember the minutest detail," she said.

Independent

He went on, "I was thinking over the past few days that the purpose of fashion is to give an illusion.

The New Yorker

While I was thinking over that little problem and preparing to talk of net anarchy versus newspaper structure, the managing editor of the BBC's station, Mike Hapgood, made the kind of factual contribution to the debate which we print journalists surely cannot ignore.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's great to be by the sea in Israel, not to be able to see any borders at all, just water stretching as far as the eye goes, and I'm thinking over these strange disengagement weeks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You can be changed forever by a work of fiction that's just a few pages long, or even less, but the time you spend with a really long novel – I'm thinking, over 500 pages – breeds a particularly intense relationship.

The Guardian - Books

- Sam Wolfson.

Vice

Yet here I was thinking all over again about Sylvian and the rest of Japan, tantalised, as they must have been, by the possibilities of their reunion.

The Guardian - Music

So I was thinking this over and I began to think about Nutella.

Vice

Say, "I was thinking of driving over to Grandma's tomorrow, want to come?" If she says no say, "I notice you and Grandma have been having a tough time lately.

WikiHow

"I was thinking, all over the world little children have to hear the sounds of guns.

Los Angeles Times

I was thinking of coming over.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was thinking over" to introduce a thought process or consideration of a specific topic. It works well when leading into a conclusion or decision.

Common error

While grammatically sound, avoid using "I was thinking over" excessively in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "I was contemplating" or "I was reflecting on" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was thinking over" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a continuous action in the past. It expresses the act of reflecting, contemplating, or considering something. Ludwig confirms the validity and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was thinking over" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that one was contemplating or reflecting on something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is perfectly valid in English writing. While primarily found in News & Media contexts, its neutral register allows for use in various settings. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "I was contemplating" or "I was reflecting on". Remember to use "I was thinking over" when you want to introduce a thought process or decision resulting from careful consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was contemplating

Focuses more on deep contemplation.

I was pondering

Emphasizes a more thoughtful consideration.

I was reflecting on

Highlights the act of looking back and considering.

I was considering

A more general term for weighing options.

I was mulling over

Suggests a more casual, internal consideration.

I have been giving thought to

More formal way of expressing consideration.

I was turning over in my mind

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of thinking.

I was giving it some thought

Indicates a less intense form of consideration.

I was chewing over

Implies a thorough and deliberate consideration.

I was cerebrating on

A more formal and less common term for thinking.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "I was contemplating", "I was pondering", or "I was reflecting on" depending on the context.

Is "I was thinking over" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I was thinking over" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express that you were considering or reflecting on something.

How to use "I was thinking over" in a sentence?

You can use "I was thinking over" to introduce a thought process, for example, "I was thinking over the proposal you submitted and I have some suggestions".

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

"I was thinking over" implies a more thorough and perhaps repetitive consideration, while "I was considering" is a more general term for weighing options.