I was thinking the same thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "I was thinking the same thing" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase can be used when you and someone else have had similar thoughts or opinions on a particular topic. It is usually said in agreement with the other person's statement or idea. Example: Person 1: "I think we should go see that movie tomorrow." Person 2: "I was thinking the same thing. Let's make plans to go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I was thinking the same thing.

The New York Times

I was thinking the same thing you were.

Harvard University

To which Buzinski replied, "I was thinking the same thing".

The New York Times - Sports

I was thinking the same thing I'm always thinking: that I want to be a star.

The New York Times - Magazine

My heart in my throat, I responded, "No, sweetie, someone is probably just being pulled over for speeding," but inside, I was thinking the same thing.

The New York Times

I was thinking the same thing about harmless or other dormant virus like the chicken pox virus that lie dormant for years in nerve cells and can later cause shingles.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Michael chimed in: "I'm thinking the same thing as Pat.

The New York Times

And I have the feeling that much of the audience was thinking the same thing.

The New York Times

Was thinking the same thing… rule change, please!

The New York Times

Over in Corona, Raquel Charter was thinking the same thing.

The New York Times

She smiled and said she was thinking the same thing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was thinking the same thing" to build rapport and show agreement in conversations or written communication. It's a simple way to connect with others by validating their thoughts or ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "I was thinking the same thing" excessively in a conversation or writing. Vary your responses with other expressions of agreement to keep the interaction dynamic and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was thinking the same thing" functions as an expression of agreement or shared thought. It indicates that the speaker had a similar idea or opinion as the person they are responding to, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was thinking the same thing" is a versatile expression used to convey agreement or shared thought. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its common usage in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's a simple way to build rapport, varying your responses with alternatives like "that's exactly what I was thinking" can enhance communication. Ludwig AI helps to understand and use the sentence appropriately across different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had the same thought

Simplified version focusing on the shared thought.

That's exactly what I was thinking

Emphasizes the precision of the shared thought.

I was just about to say that

Highlights the near-simultaneous nature of the thought.

My thoughts exactly

A concise way to express complete agreement.

I couldn't agree more

Expresses strong agreement with a previous statement.

We're on the same wavelength

Suggests a shared understanding or perspective.

Great minds think alike

A humorous idiom indicating shared intelligence in having the same thought.

I share your opinion

Formal declaration of having same opinion.

I have the same idea

Refers specifically to sharing a concept or plan.

That's what's on my mind too

Indicates the thought is currently under consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "I was thinking the same thing" in a sentence?

Use "I was thinking the same thing" to express agreement or shared thought with someone else. For example, if someone says, "We should order pizza tonight", you could respond with, "I was thinking the same thing, let's do it!"

What's a more formal way to say "I was thinking the same thing"?

In a formal setting, you might say, "I share that opinion" or "I concur with that assessment" instead of "I was thinking the same thing".

What can I say instead of "I was thinking the same thing" to show strong agreement?

To show stronger agreement, you can use phrases like "that's exactly what I was thinking" or "my thoughts exactly".

Is it appropriate to use "I was thinking the same thing" in professional communication?

Yes, it is appropriate to use "I was thinking the same thing" in professional communication to show alignment and agreement. However, be mindful of the context and consider using more formal alternatives when appropriate.