he is thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is currently engaged in the process of thought or contemplation. Example: "As he sat quietly in the corner, it was clear that he is thinking deeply about the problem at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is thinking.

Forbes

"He is thinking about his future.

The New York Times

He is thinking of going to Ireland.

The New Yorker

"He is thinking of victory — only victory".

The New York Times

I imagine what he is thinking.

The New York Times

They rarely know what he is thinking.

The New Yorker

He is thinking of quitting this job.

The New Yorker

He is thinking about death.

The New York Times - Style

So he is thinking worldwide.

The New York Times

I don't know what he is thinking".

The New York Times

Now, however, he is thinking bigger.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is thinking" to describe a current mental process. For varied expression, consider synonyms like "he is pondering" or "he is contemplating" to convey deeper reflection.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone who is quiet isn't thinking. Use "he is thinking" to describe an active, though perhaps internal, process, not just visible signs of deliberation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is thinking" serves as a declarative statement describing an ongoing cognitive process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is thinking" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing someone in the process of thought. Ludwig confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While suitable for various contexts, it's important to choose synonyms like "he is pondering" or "he is contemplating" for more nuanced expression. As evidenced by the sources in Ludwig, this phrase finds its most frequent use in news and media, reflecting its versatility in reporting and storytelling. Be mindful of overgeneralizing its meaning; thought is an active process, not merely the absence of action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is pondering

Implies a deeper, more reflective consideration.

he is contemplating

Suggests a careful and prolonged thought process.

he is considering

Indicates weighing different options or aspects.

he is reflecting

Emphasizes thinking about something in the past.

he is deliberating

Implies a formal and careful process of thought, often before making a decision.

he is musing

Suggests a quiet and thoughtful reflection.

he is figuring out

Focuses on the process of solving a problem or understanding something.

he is assessing

Implies evaluating a situation or option.

he is analyzing

Indicates a detailed examination of something.

he is under the impression

Suggests forming a belief or understanding based on available information.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he is thinking" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could say "he is contemplating" or "he is deliberating", depending on the context.

What's a more casual way to say "he is thinking"?

In a more casual setting, consider using phrases like "he is figuring out" or simply "he is wondering".

When is it appropriate to use "he is thinking" instead of "he thinks"?

"He is thinking" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the thought process, while "he thinks" describes a belief or opinion. Use "he is thinking" when focusing on the act of considering something at that moment.

How does "he is thinking" differ from "he is considering"?

"He is thinking" is a general term for mental activity. "He is considering" specifically implies weighing options or aspects before making a decision.