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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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i've been thinking about

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I've been thinking about it.

I've been thinking about devils.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"Yeah, I've been thinking about that.

I've been thinking about Friendster".

I've been thinking about that all morning".

It's all I've been thinking about.

News & Media

The New Yorker

I've been thinking about this a lot.

News & Media

The New York Times

I've been thinking about this for years.

I've been thinking about this all week.

News & Media

The New York Times

NEW YORK — I've been thinking about Eddie Leung.

News & Media

The New York Times

"I've been thinking about the sand.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i've been thinking about", be specific about the topic you're considering to provide clear context for your audience. For example, "I've been thinking about our marketing strategy" is more effective than "I've been thinking about something".

Common error

Avoid using "i've been thinking about" without clearly stating what you have been considering. Ambiguity can confuse your audience and reduce the impact of your statement.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i've been thinking about" functions as an introductory phrase to express that the speaker has been contemplating a particular topic or idea. It often sets the stage for sharing a thought process or a conclusion derived from that process, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i've been thinking about" is a very common phrase used to introduce a topic that has been under consideration. Ludwig's examples show it's prevalent across various contexts, especially in News & Media. The phrase is grammatically sound and serves to signal contemplation, setting the stage for further discussion. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the subject matter of your thoughts. While versatile, its formality can shift based on context, but it typically remains neutral in tone.

FAQs

How can I use "i've been thinking about" in a sentence?

You can use "i've been thinking about" to introduce a topic you've been considering. For example, "I've been thinking about moving to a new city" or "I've been thinking about the future of our company".

What are some alternatives to "i've been thinking about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I've considered", "I've been pondering", or "I've been giving thought to", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "i've been thinking on" instead of "i've been thinking about"?

While "thinking on" can be used in some contexts, "i've been thinking about" is generally more common and versatile. "Thinking on" often implies a more immediate or active thought process, whereas "i've been thinking about" suggests a broader period of consideration.

What's the difference between "i've been thinking about" and "i'm thinking about"?

"I've been thinking about" implies a process that has been ongoing, while "I'm thinking about" suggests a current, immediate thought. For example, "I've been thinking about this all day" indicates a prolonged consideration, while "I'm thinking about this right now" indicates a current thought.

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Source & Trust

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: