I was thinking whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was thinking whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It is the beginning of a dependent clause and functions as a subordinating conjunction to introduce an idea or thought. You can use it to introduce a question or to lead into a decision. Example: I was thinking whether I should spend the extra money or save it for a rainy day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I was thinking whether I wanted to live or not," she said.

The New York Times

He told me, "It always struck me as funny, because I knew I wasn't making any facial expressions, but she could tell exactly what I was thinking, whether it was skeptical, quizzical, or glaring.

The New Yorker

"I was the most nervous I have ever been when it comes to selection because I was thinking whether [Hope Powell] would consider it a risk to take me or not.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

So I'm not just watching Anne Hathaway singing, I'm thinking whether Anne Hathaway is singing as well as someone else might have sung in the role.

The New York Times

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 was thinking today about whether this week or next week people are going to be showing up to any LGBTQ clubs.

Vice

He was thinking whether or not to say this to Abrahim when he heard the first distant rumbling over his head.

The New Yorker

On these days, when I find myself in a passion wasteland, I wonder what the heck I was thinking, and I question whether I really was at a fork in the road, or just a roundabout where I am now destined to travel in an endless circle, going nowhere.

Huffington Post

I don't remember mentally where I was at this moment, whether I was thinking about getting the Serena Slam.

The Guardian - Sport

It just wasn't there for some reason, whether I was thinking too much about cricket off the field and just burning myself out that way or just trying too hard".

The Guardian - Sport

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

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was thinking whether" to introduce a thought process involving a choice or uncertainty. For example, "I was thinking whether I should take the job offer or continue my studies."

Common error

Avoid adding "that" after "whether". The correct form is "I was thinking whether I should go", not "I was thinking whether that I should go".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was thinking whether" functions as an introductory clause that sets the stage for a question or a statement of uncertainty. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in expressing consideration or doubt.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was thinking whether" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to introduce a question, possibility, or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media contexts. While it's generally appropriate for neutral communication, it is crucial to avoid the common mistake of adding "that" after "whether". Alternatives such as "I was considering if" or "I was wondering whether" can be used depending on the desired level of formality or specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was considering if

Replaces "whether" with "if", making the phrase slightly less formal.

I was pondering if

Similar to "considering if", but with a slightly more thoughtful tone.

I was contemplating whether

Substitutes "thinking" with "contemplating", indicating a more deliberate consideration.

I was wondering whether

Replaces "thinking" with "wondering", suggesting a more curious or speculative approach.

I was debating whether

Uses "debating" instead of "thinking", implying an internal conflict or discussion.

I was reflecting on whether

Replaces "thinking" with "reflecting", suggesting a deeper level of thought and introspection.

I was weighing up whether

Emphasizes the process of evaluating different options or outcomes.

I was in the process of deciding whether

Expands the phrase to emphasize the ongoing decision-making process.

I found myself considering whether

Highlights the involuntary or spontaneous nature of the thought.

I had been giving some thought to whether

Adds formality and emphasizes the prolonged nature of the thought process.

FAQs

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

Use "I was thinking whether" to introduce a question or internal debate. For example, "I was thinking whether to accept the invitation."

What's a more formal way to say "I was thinking whether"?

For a more formal tone, you could say "I was contemplating whether" or "I had been giving some thought to whether".

Is it correct to say "I was thinking whether that"?

No, it is incorrect to include "that" after "whether". The correct phrasing is "I was thinking whether".

What are some alternatives to "I was thinking whether"?

Alternatives include "I was considering if", "I was wondering whether", and "I was pondering if", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.