I was thinking yes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was thinking yes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a moment of contemplation or agreement with a positive response. Example: "After considering the proposal, I was thinking yes, it could be a good idea to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"For months, I was thinking yes, no, yes, no," he says.

The New Yorker

As we were laughing I was thinking, yes, I'd bust a gut for this guy.

The Guardian - Sport

"As I read it, I was thinking, Yes, goddammit, this is exactly how I feel!" he said.

The New Yorker

"I was thinking, 'Yes, 11 a.m., I can be done by 12, have the rest of the day,' " Williams said.

The New York Times - Sports

The evening "started a little stiltedly", he added, "and then he relaxed and became very chatty and there was a moment when it was 3am and my eyes were dropping when he said, 'I guess you guys are getting a little tired, huh?' And I was thinking, 'Yes!

The Guardian - Books

"Part of making this record and doing this research," she told me, "was out of a little bit of annoyance, especially after doing so many tours, being in New England, and having people say, 'Oh, wow, this authentic Southern music!' And I was thinking, Yes, it is authentic.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I'm thinking yes," he said of having enough shooters, "but we'll see".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm thinking, yes it's not really working now, or people are not that keen on the decision, but I believe in it.

The New York Times

Does my hair still look like it did in 1980-whatever?" I maintain a diplomatic silence, but I'm thinking: yes, Nick, yes it does.

The Guardian - Music

I'm thinking yes! Former Library Board Trustee KAREN EVARTS lives in Newport Beach.

Los Angeles Times

"If I had gone to sleep 20 years ago and you had woken me up today and I heard that, I would be thinking, yes!

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was thinking yes" to indicate a tentative agreement or a positive inclination after some consideration. It can soften the affirmative and suggest further discussion is welcome.

Common error

Avoid using "I was thinking yes" repeatedly in a single conversation, as it might project uncertainty or indecisiveness. Opt for a more direct "yes" when you are confident in your agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was thinking yes" primarily functions as an expression of tentative agreement or a leaning towards a positive decision. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples from various sources. It's a softened way of saying "yes", implying consideration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was thinking yes" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a tentative agreement or a positive inclination following some consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions to signal a softened "yes", suitable for various contexts, including news media, academic discussions, and everyday conversations. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain clarity and confidence in communication. Alternatives such as "I leaned towards yes" or "My initial thought was yes" can provide variety while conveying similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My initial thought was yes

Specifies that the positive response was the first reaction.

I leaned towards yes

Emphasizes a tendency or inclination towards a positive decision.

I was of a mind to say yes

Suggests a deliberate decision-making process leading to a positive response.

I considered it a yes

Highlights the act of regarding something as affirmative.

I was favorably considering it

Implies a positive evaluation during deliberation.

I was inclined to agree

Expresses a natural tendency to concur.

I was tending towards agreement

Indicates a progressive movement towards consensus.

I was on the verge of agreeing

Indicates nearness to a final decision of agreement.

I found myself agreeing

Highlights the somewhat unexpected nature of the agreement.

I had a positive inclination

Emphasizes a generally favorable feeling or disposition.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I was thinking yes"?

Saying "I was thinking yes" indicates a positive inclination or tentative agreement after some consideration. It suggests you are leaning towards agreeing but might still be open to further discussion or clarification.

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

You can use "I was thinking yes" to express your initial positive reaction to a proposal or suggestion. For example, "After reviewing the budget, I was thinking yes, we should proceed with the marketing campaign."

Are there more formal alternatives to "I was thinking yes"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "I am inclined to agree", "I am favorably considering the proposal", or "My initial assessment is positive". These options convey a similar meaning but with a more professional tone.

Is it better to say "I think yes" or "I was thinking yes"?

While both phrases are understandable, "I was thinking yes" is generally preferred because it implies more consideration and less impulsiveness than "I think yes". "I think yes" might sound too abrupt or informal in some contexts.