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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

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CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

can't stop thinking
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I can't stop thinking about you".

News & Media

The New York Times

I can't stop thinking about what happened.

News & Media

The New York Times

I can't stop thinking about the elections.

News & Media

The New York Times

You can't stop thinking about it.

News & Media

The New York Times

I just can't stop thinking about it".

News & Media

The New York Times

I just can't stop thinking about them".

News & Media

The New York Times - Magazine

"I can't stop thinking about that".

News & Media

The New York Times - Magazine

I can't stop thinking about this film.

News & Media

The Guardian - Film

"I can't stop thinking about him.

News & Media

The Guardian

"I can't stop thinking about that kid," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

The girl at work you can't stop thinking about.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can't stop thinking" to convey a sense of strong preoccupation or obsession, ensuring the context makes it clear what the subject of your thoughts is.

Common error

Avoid using "can't stop thinking" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "constantly considering" or "persistently reflecting" to maintain a professional tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can't stop thinking" functions as an idiomatic expression to describe a state of preoccupation or obsession. Ludwig examples show its use across a variety of topics, indicating its versatility in expressing persistent thought.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

Less common in

Science

Encyclopedias

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can't stop thinking" is a common idiom used to express persistent preoccupation with a particular subject. As evidenced by Ludwig, its grammatical structure is correct and the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. The phrase serves to communicate the intensity and involuntary nature of one's thoughts. While generally acceptable, its usage should be moderated in formal writing, where alternatives might be more appropriate. This expression enjoys widespread use and understanding in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to get it off my mind

A more conversational way of expressing persistent thought.

incessantly thinking about

Stresses the uninterrupted and relentless nature of the thought process.

preoccupied with

Highlights the state of being absorbed or engrossed in something.

fixated on

Indicates a strong and often unwavering focus on a particular thing.

continually reflecting on

Highlights the ongoing process of consideration and review.

constantly pondering

Focuses on the continuous and reflective nature of thought.

consumed by thoughts of

Suggests a more intense and overwhelming focus.

engrossed in consideration of

Emphasizes the deep engagement and absorption in thinking about something.

obsessing over

Emphasizes the repetitive and intrusive nature of the thoughts.

haunted by

Implies a troubling or distressing persistence of thoughts.

FAQs

What does "can't stop thinking" mean?

The phrase "can't stop thinking" means that someone is persistently preoccupied with a particular thought, idea, or person, and finds it difficult to focus on anything else.

What can I say instead of "can't stop thinking"?

You can use alternatives like "constantly pondering", "preoccupied with", or "obsessing over" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "can't stop thinking"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "can't stop thinking" is a common and accepted idiom in English.

How to use "can't stop thinking" in a sentence?

You can use "can't stop thinking" to express that you are continuously pondering something. For example: "I "can't stop thinking" about the movie I saw last night" or "She "can't stop thinking" about her upcoming vacation".

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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can't stop thinkingGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

can't stop thinking
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples