even thinking about it

USAGE SUMMARY

"even thinking about it" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that even the thought of something is difficult or troubling. Example: "The thought of losing my job is overwhelming, even thinking about it makes me anxious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not something I was even thinking about, it just happened.

Huffington Post

I think in any case that we speak different "languages" with men and women, perhaps without even thinking about it.

BMC Family Practice

Makes me tired even thinking about it.

The New York Times

Even thinking about it gives me indigestion".

The New York Times - Sports

Without even thinking about it".

The Guardian - Sport

"It's scary, just even thinking about it".

The New Yorker

"I wasn't even thinking about it".

The New York Times - Sports

"We're not even thinking about it anymore".

The New York Times - Sports

"I wasn't even thinking about it," he said.

The New York Times

"I get goose bumps even thinking about it," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm not even thinking about it," he confirms.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even thinking about it" to express a strong negative reaction to a concept, situation, or memory. It's particularly effective when the actual experience is worse than the mere thought.

Common error

While "even thinking about it" is common, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary to convey nuanced emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even thinking about it" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express the degree to which a thought affects someone. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it's used to emphasize the emotional impact of merely considering something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even thinking about it" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing aversion, discomfort, or anxiety related to a particular thought. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings. When writing formally, consider alternatives like "the mere consideration" for a more sophisticated tone. The high frequency of authoritative sources further validates its established place in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just the thought of it

Focuses on the simple act of considering something, often with a negative connotation.

it's a chilling thought

Emphasizes the frightening or unsettling nature of a particular idea.

the very idea of it

Emphasizes the abstract concept or possibility, rather than the process of thinking.

to consider it makes me uneasy

Directly expresses discomfort when thinking about something.

I shudder to think about it

Conveys a stronger sense of fear or disgust associated with the thought.

it fills me with dread

Expresses a strong feeling of fear or anxiety about something.

it's unsettling to contemplate

Highlights the disturbing or uneasy nature of the thought.

I can't bear to imagine it

Suggests an inability to mentally picture or confront something due to its unpleasantness.

I'd rather not dwell on it

Indicates a desire to avoid thinking about the topic altogether.

the prospect is daunting

Highlights the intimidating or overwhelming nature of a potential future event.

FAQs

How can I use "even thinking about it" in a sentence?

You can use "even thinking about it" to express discomfort, anxiety, or fear associated with a particular thought or idea. For example, "The surgery is next week, and "even thinking about it" makes me nervous."

What are some alternatives to "even thinking about it"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "just the thought of it", "the very idea of it", or "I shudder to think about it". Consider using "just the thought of it" to convey a similar meaning with slightly less intensity.

Is it grammatically correct to say "even thinking about it"?

Yes, "even thinking about it" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. It functions as a phrase to emphasize the impact of a thought or idea.

When is it appropriate to use "even thinking about it" versus a more formal expression?

Use "even thinking about it" in informal or neutral contexts where you want to express a personal reaction to a thought. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "the mere consideration" or "the prospect alone" for a more sophisticated tone.