I was thinking up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was thinking up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you were in the process of generating ideas or concepts. Example: "I was thinking up some new marketing strategies for our upcoming campaign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

When I was thinking up the Violet books, I envisaged her travelling around the world solving mysteries, like Tintin.

The Guardian

I was thinking up brand names for an advertising company, composing "logical reasoning" questions for the G.R.E., and trying to write a novel.

The New Yorker

"I just like making things up, all the way back to when I was thinking up little tunes for the piano as a child.

The Guardian - Music

Soon I was thinking up tunes to go with my words, although the fact that I couldn't play an instrument meant that I had to keep the melodies in my head.

The Guardian - Music

"Perhaps," she all but pleaded, "I could call you a cab?" While I was thinking up a smart answer, my wife, Joyce, was patting the girl's hand and telling her it was all right and that we would, indeed, like a cab.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I still seem to have a lot of academic influences, so when I'm thinking up new ideas for the menu, I like to brainstorm.

Princeton University

I'm thinking up there in my box, We cannot be doing this!

The New York Times - Magazine

For the first 20 minutes, I was thinking: cheer up, mate.

The Guardian

"My racing instincts took over, and I was thinking, 'Get up and finish.' I remember crossing the finish line, glancing at Szabo, and then nothing".

The New York Times - Sports

I was thinking: 'Who is up?

Independent

When Jane called, "I was thinking, 'Oh shut up, woman.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was thinking up" when you want to emphasize the creative process of idea generation, especially when it involves coming up with something new or original.

Common error

Avoid using "thinking of" when you mean to convey the active process of creating something. "Thinking of" implies considering something, while "thinking up" implies inventing or devising something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was thinking up" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a past continuous action of generating new ideas or concepts. It describes an ongoing mental process of creation. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in various creative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was thinking up" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase used to describe the past continuous action of generating new ideas or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While "I was thinking up" is less common than other similar phrases, it's a useful way to emphasize the creative process of idea generation. It is most frequently found in News & Media and academic sources. When using this phrase, be sure to differentiate it from "thinking of", which implies considering something rather than actively creating it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was brainstorming

Focuses on a group activity of generating ideas.

I was conceiving

Implies a more deliberate and thoughtful creation of an idea.

I was formulating

Suggests a structured and systematic development of an idea.

I was devising

Indicates a creative and inventive approach to problem-solving.

I was imagining

Highlights the mental imagery and visualization aspect of idea generation.

I was inventing

Emphasizes the creation of something entirely new.

I was developing

Focuses on the gradual and progressive refinement of an idea.

I was creating

Implies bringing something new into existence.

I was planning

Focuses on outlining steps for future action.

I was contemplating

Suggests a deep and careful consideration of something.

FAQs

How can I use "I was thinking up" in a sentence?

You can use "I was thinking up" to describe the process of generating new ideas or plans. For example, "I was thinking up some new marketing strategies for our product launch".

What's the difference between "I was thinking up" and "I was thinking of"?

"I was thinking up" implies creating or inventing something, while "I was thinking of" suggests considering or contemplating something. For example, "I was thinking up a new game" versus "I was thinking of going to the movies".

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

You can use alternatives like "I was brainstorming", "I was conceiving", or "I was devising" depending on the specific context.

Is "I was thinking up" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I was thinking up" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe the process of generating ideas or plans.