actually thinking about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actually thinking about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that someone is genuinely considering or reflecting on something. Example: "I was actually thinking about taking a break from work to focus on my health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So much has been focused on the cost of the bill, but I don't think many are actually thinking about the job gain/loss aspect of the bill.

University of California, Berkeley

Perhaps more realistic to think of firms actually thinking about what prices to set and then adjusting the quantities they actually ship based on demand.

Yale University

We're in a moment now when food people are actually thinking about these issues, and I think that's great.

Los Angeles Times

"So I think people spend more time actually thinking about it than I really do.

Los Angeles Times

"I think people spend more time actually thinking about it than I really do," she said.

Huffington Post

And actually, thinking about what Patrick said, I don't think K J Choi would be an 'nondescript' winner.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm sorry I put such long quotations up there, but I think you need them to get a flavor of how he was actually thinking about it.

Yale University

LEIBOVICH: I was actually thinking about this.

Harvard University

Actually, thinking about it, that's not true.

The Guardian - Film

Actually, thinking about anything damps his eyes.

The New York Times - Books

I've started actually thinking about colour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actually thinking about" to emphasize that someone is genuinely considering something, especially when there might be a perception that they are not.

Common error

Avoid using "actually thinking about" in every sentence. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually thinking about" functions as a verbal phrase, emphasizing the act of genuine consideration or reflection. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts. It indicates a deeper level of engagement than simply "thinking about."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actually thinking about" is a commonly used phrase to highlight genuine consideration, as confirmed by Ludwig's extensive examples. The phrase functions as a verbal phrase used in various contexts, but mostly in News & Media and Academia. It serves to convey sincerity and earnestness in one's thoughts. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in both formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, it's best to emphasize a genuine thought, and it is important to avoid overuse. Alternatives like "genuinely considering" and "seriously contemplating" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuinely considering

Emphasizes sincerity and seriousness in the consideration process.

seriously contemplating

Highlights the depth and importance of the thought process.

actively pondering

Stresses the energetic and engaged nature of thinking.

earnestly reflecting on

Focuses on the sincerity and thoughtfulness of the reflection.

truly deliberating

Indicates a careful and thorough process of consideration.

sincerely assessing

Highlights the honest and impartial nature of the evaluation.

giving real thought to

Emphasizes the genuine and dedicated effort put into thinking.

honestly weighing

Focuses on the candid and balanced assessment of different factors.

attentively considering

Highlights careful and focused thinking.

thoughtfully examining

Stresses the depth and care of the examination process.

FAQs

How can I use "actually thinking about" in a sentence?

You can use "actually thinking about" to emphasize a genuine consideration, as in, "I was "actually thinking about" taking a vacation next month".

What can I say instead of "actually thinking about"?

Alternatives include "genuinely considering", "seriously contemplating", or "actively pondering" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "really actually thinking about"?

Yes, using "really" and "actually" together can be redundant. It's best to choose one or the other to avoid unnecessary emphasis.

What's the difference between "thinking about" and "actually thinking about"?

"Thinking about" implies a general consideration, while "actually thinking about" emphasizes a more genuine or focused consideration. The inclusion of "actually" indicates a deeper level of engagement with the thought.