found myself thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

"found myself thinking" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to express a sudden realization or introspection about one's thoughts or feelings. Example: As I walked through the bustling city streets, I found myself thinking about my childhood and how much things had changed since then.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I found myself thinking about high heels.

The New Yorker

Oh yeah, I found myself thinking, ungallantly.

The Economist

"That's it?" I found myself thinking.

The New York Times

I found myself thinking of the law.

The New Yorker

"Ha!" I found myself thinking.

The Guardian - Film

I found myself thinking about Bill this week.

The New Yorker

"I found myself thinking, 'She's so tiny.

The Guardian

And I found myself thinking about time.

The New York Times

I found myself thinking the same thing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And yet suddenly I found myself thinking about Broadway Joe.

The New York Times

I found myself thinking about their off-court training.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "found myself thinking" to introduce a personal reflection or a sudden realization that arose during an experience or observation.

Common error

Avoid using "found myself thinking" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more direct and objective phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found myself thinking" functions as an introspective device, introducing a thought or realization that occurred to the speaker or writer. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in expressing personal reflections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "found myself thinking" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, particularly in news and media, to introduce a personal reflection or a spontaneous thought. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While versatile, it's important to consider the context, opting for more formal language in academic or professional settings. Related phrases like "it occurred to me" or "I began to wonder" can offer alternative nuances. When writing, using this phrase effectively involves conveying a genuine moment of realization or introspection, while avoiding overuse in contexts demanding strict objectivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It occurred to me

This alternative focuses on the suddenness of a thought, a more immediate and less deliberate form of thinking.

I was struck by the thought

Emphasizes the sudden and impactful nature of the thought.

I began to wonder

This alternative suggests a starting point of curiosity, a slightly less direct form of reflection.

I started pondering

This alternative conveys a sense of deep consideration, a more sustained form of thinking.

I reflected upon

This alternative implies a deliberate and thoughtful consideration of a subject.

I came to the realization

This alternative emphasizes the outcome of thinking, highlighting the moment of understanding.

I gave thought to

This suggests a more intentional and focused consideration.

I realized

A more concise way of expressing the arrival of a thought or understanding.

I considered

Implies a deliberate act of thinking and evaluating.

I entertained the idea

Suggests a willingness to explore a particular thought or possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "found myself thinking" in a sentence?

Use "found myself thinking" to introduce a thought that occurred to you, often unexpectedly, during an event or period of reflection. For example: "Walking through the park, I "found myself thinking" about the importance of nature."

What phrases are similar to "found myself thinking"?

Alternatives include "it occurred to me", "I began to wonder", or "I started pondering", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "found myself thinking" too informal for academic papers?

While grammatically correct, "found myself thinking" may be considered too informal for some academic writing. Consider using more direct and objective language, such as "I considered" or "I realized".

What's the difference between "found myself thinking" and "I thought"?

"Found myself thinking" suggests the thought arose somewhat spontaneously or unexpectedly, while "I thought" simply states that you had a particular thought.