doing a lot of thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing a lot of thinking" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to spending a significant amount of time and effort considering or pondering something. Example: "She had been doing a lot of thinking about her career goals, and finally decided to make a change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"I'll be doing a lot of thinking".

The New York Times - Sports

"I've been doing a lot of thinking.

The Guardian - Sport

"He was talking but doing a lot of thinking".

The New York Times - Sports

After a few silent paces, he added: "I've been doing a lot of thinking these past few days.

The New York Times

Like the Free Democrats, the Greens will be doing a lot of thinking in the coming days about their leadership and their messages.

The Economist

"Hey, I've been doing a lot of thinking about our conversation and I really hope we can meet this week to discuss further.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"You do a lot of thinking about how you think, especially about how you make decisions," she said.

The New York Times

"I've done a lot of thinking about this medal, and I now think that it should stay in the United States," said Mr. Purifoy.

The New York Times

I write books and articles and do a lot of thinking for the very people who are apparently too mesmerized with bullshit to think for themselves.

Huffington Post

I did a lot of thinking.

The Guardian - Music

You do a lot of thinking".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing a lot of thinking" to convey a period of intense contemplation or decision-making. It's particularly effective when implying a change in perspective or a significant realization.

Common error

While versatile, "doing a lot of thinking" can sound slightly verbose in very casual settings. Consider simpler alternatives like "thinking hard" or "pondering" for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing a lot of thinking" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "I have been doing a lot of thinking"). According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. The phrase typically refers to spending a significant amount of time and effort considering or pondering something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doing a lot of thinking" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a period of intense contemplation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides several real-world examples across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Its usage spans from news reporting to personal reflections, and the register is generally neutral. While highly versatile, remember that more straightforward alternatives might suit very casual contexts. The phrase suggests a dedicated period of reflection, making it valuable for conveying considered thought and decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thinking it over carefully

Emphasizes the methodical and cautious approach to considering something.

giving it much thought

Highlights the effort and attention dedicated to the thought process.

considering thoroughly

Stresses the completeness of the evaluation, indicating that all aspects are being taken into account.

reflecting at length

Focuses on the reflective nature of the thinking, suggesting a review of past experiences or information.

pondering deeply

Stresses the depth of the consideration, indicating a serious and thoughtful approach to the subject.

deliberating intensely

Highlights the intensity of the decision-making process, implying a careful weighing of options.

ruminating extensively

Implies a deep and prolonged consideration, often with a sense of revisiting the same thoughts.

contemplating extensively

Emphasizes the act of deep contemplation, highlighting the intensity and focus of the thinking process.

engaging in heavy contemplation

Focuses on the involvement and weightiness of the contemplative process.

wrestling with ideas

Conveys the struggle and effort involved in grappling with complex concepts.

FAQs

How can I use "doing a lot of thinking" in a sentence?

You can use "doing a lot of thinking" to describe a period of contemplation, as in, "I've been "doing a lot of thinking" about my future."

What's a more formal alternative to "doing a lot of thinking"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "engaging in deep contemplation" or "reflecting at length".

Is "doing a lot of thinking" grammatically correct?

Yes, "doing a lot of thinking" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It's a natural and understandable phrase to describe a period of intense thought.

What's the difference between "doing a lot of thinking" and "thinking hard"?

"Doing a lot of thinking" suggests a more extended period of consideration, while "thinking hard" implies more intense focus in a shorter time. The choice depends on the context you are describing.