actively thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actively thinking" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who is engaged in deep or focused thought. Example: She was actively thinking about the problem when the solution came to her. Alternative expressions include "engaged in thought" and "deeply contemplating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For instance, many of us think that actively thinking about trying to learn something will help us remember it.

BBC

No, I don't think that we're actively thinking about it.

The New Yorker

More generally, the Socratic approach to teaching emphasizes use of class time for students to engage in deliberate practice, learning by actively thinking and doing activities related to the concepts under discussion.

CBE Life Sciences Education

In other words, rather than just trying not to think about ice cream, try actively thinking of or watching or smelling something else.

Forbes

The focal and automatic modes may be illustrated by a driving example: a new driver has to attend to gear shifting in a focal way (actively thinking about it), while an experienced driver changes gears automatically (not needing to think about it).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Is that something that they're actively thinking about?

The New Yorker

With her students "constantly actively thinking," Ms. Macleod said she found teaching the curriculum "more enjoyable".

The New York Times

It's something I'm always actively thinking about when I'm making videos.

The Guardian - Tech

A further 40% are actively thinking about it, and another 15% are just starting to put it on their agenda.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

While the students did not explicitly connect examining figures, studying actively, and thinking scientifically, analyzing figures is also a key active-reading strategy for science courses and an important component of "thinking like a scientist" (Felder, 1993).

CBE Life Sciences Education

Education at a liberal arts institution often provides access to first-rate faculty in many different departments and actively fosters thinking across disciplines - a key skill for any profession, even in a STEM field - and helps to minimize "group think".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actively thinking" to emphasize conscious and deliberate mental engagement. This is especially useful when contrasting it with passive thought or automatic responses.

Common error

Don't use "actively thinking" when a simpler term like "thinking" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Use it when you want to highlight a deliberate and focused thought process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actively thinking" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the manner in which someone is thinking. Ludwig AI confirms that it emphasizes a conscious and deliberate thought process, differentiating it from passive or automatic thought.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

23%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actively thinking" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize conscious and deliberate engagement in a thought process. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears frequently in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, use "actively thinking" to highlight a focused mental effort, but avoid overuse in simple scenarios where "thinking" suffices. Remember to consider alternatives like "consciously considering" or "deliberately contemplating" to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purposefully thinking

Focuses on having a clear intention or goal in mind while thinking.

consciously considering

Focuses on the awareness and deliberation in the thought process.

deliberately contemplating

Emphasizes a thoughtful and intentional consideration.

mindfully processing

Highlights being present and aware during the thought process.

thoughtfully reflecting

Highlights the reflective nature of the thinking process.

intently pondering

Suggests deep focus and concentration while thinking.

earnestly reasoning

Implies sincerity and serious effort in the thinking process.

keenly assessing

Suggests a sharp and perceptive evaluation while thinking.

vigorously analyzing

Emphasizes the energetic and thorough nature of the analysis.

assiduously deliberating

Highlights careful and persistent consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "actively thinking" in a sentence?

Use "actively thinking" to describe a state of deliberate and engaged thought. For instance, "She was "actively thinking" about the problem when the solution suddenly occurred to her."

What are some alternatives to "actively thinking"?

You can use alternatives like "consciously considering", "deliberately contemplating", or "purposefully thinking" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "actively thinking"?

While "thinking" alone can imply active engagement, ""actively thinking"" emphasizes a more conscious and deliberate mental process. It's not always redundant, but consider whether the added emphasis is necessary for your context.

What's the difference between "actively thinking" and "passively thinking"?

"Actively thinking" involves focused effort and intentionality, while passively thinking refers to thoughts that occur without conscious direction or effort.